DeepSummary
In this episode, Amanda Doyle shares an update on her recovery from breast cancer, revealing that she had the best-case scenario with no positive margins or aggressive cancer cells. Dr. Rachel Brem, a renowned breast cancer expert, then joins the conversation to discuss the importance of early detection and the challenges surrounding breast density's impact on mammography.
Dr. Brem explains the differing guidance from various organizations on when and how often women should get mammograms, emphasizing that annual screening starting at age 40 for average-risk women is crucial for reducing mortality rates. She also advises that women with dense breasts or higher risk factors should have additional screenings like ultrasound or MRI, as mammograms alone may not detect cancer.
Dr. Brem encourages women to advocate for themselves and not accept 'no' when seeking additional screenings, even if insurance companies initially deny coverage. She provides tips on what to say to doctors and insurance companies to ensure access to necessary screenings and diagnostic tests, emphasizing that knowledge and self-advocacy are key.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Early detection is crucial for improving breast cancer survival rates and reducing the intensity of treatment required.
- Women with dense breasts or other risk factors should advocate for additional screenings beyond mammograms, such as ultrasound or MRI, as mammograms alone may not detect cancer.
- There is conflicting guidance from various organizations on when and how often women should get mammograms, but Dr. Brem recommends annual screening starting at age 40 for average-risk women.
- Women should not accept 'no' when seeking additional screenings and should be persistent with their doctors and insurance companies to ensure access to necessary diagnostic tests.
- Knowledge and self-advocacy are key to ensuring appropriate breast cancer screening and care based on individual risk factors.
- Breast density and risk factors like family history should be taken into account when determining the appropriate screening approach for each individual.
- Experts like Dr. Brem emphasize the importance of leveraging various tools and technologies, such as ultrasound and AI, to improve early detection rates.
- Age alone should not be a determining factor for stopping breast cancer screenings, as studies show that older women who do not get screened have higher mortality rates.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You can have breast cancer and have a normal mammogram. It's very important, and it's a very important point, part of finding early breast cancer.“ by Rachel Brem
- “You just have to really raise your voice. I mean, at our center, we offer every woman with dense breast ultrasound. We also offer artificial intelligence on every mammogram to really use as much of the tools as we can that we have to find early curable breast cancer.“ by Rachel Brem
- “Knowledge is power, and you have to advocate for yourself, but you have to have this knowledge to know what to advocate for.“ by Rachel Brem
Entities
Company
Person
Product
Organization
Book
Episode Information
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle and Audacy
6/18/24