How do you talk about breast cancer when it’s something your community rarely discusses, sometimes because of culture, sometimes because of faith, and sometimes just because it’s hard?

Salima Hirani faced breast cancer not just as a patient, but as a mother, a daughter, and someone who knew the taboos around speaking up. In this episode:

• You’ll hear how Salima found her own voice in a world that often keeps silent.
• You’ll learn how faith and culture shape conversations about cancer in the family.
• You’ll find out how sharing your story can help break stigma and help someone else feel less alone.

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Key Questions Answered

1. How did Salima first discover her breast cancer and when was she diagnosed?

2. What was Salima’s initial reaction upon being told she had breast cancer?

3.How did Salima share her diagnosis with her children and what were their reactions?

4. What was Salima’s treatment journey for breast cancer?

5. How did Salima’s children support her during her cancer journey?

6. What taboos or social challenges did Salima encounter in her community regarding breast cancer?

7. Why do some women in Salima’s community avoid breast cancer screening or mammograms?

8. How does Salima recommend supporting other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis?

9. What advice does Salima offer to her community about breast cancer awareness and prevention?

10. How does Salima view the importance of forming support groups and community awareness initiatives?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Breaking Taboos on Breast Cancer"

06:05 Cancer Chart Reviewer Experience

07:59 Quick Errand Across Street

10:19 Single Parent's Concerns for Kids

13:26 Sibling Misunderstanding Spurs Emotions

17:48 "Nurse Overcomes MRI Anxiety"

21:06 "Personal Choice for Peace"

26:10 Private Strength Amid Diagnosis

29:23 "Prioritize Health Screenings Now"

31:12 Silent Support Network

34:41 Engaging Older Generations in Health Conversations

38:38 Addressing Health Concerns Early

39:51 Silent Struggle: Family's Cancer Journey

43:42 Breast Cancer: Treatable at Any Stage

49:08 Empowering Dialogue for Women's Health

52:58 Breast Cancer Warriors Unite

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Why do some physicians dedicate their lives to serving the under-resourced and uninsured?

Dr. Mary T. Neal joins Dorothy to share her path from early aspirations, through medical school at a young age, to years in private practice and volunteer work at San Jose Clinic. She describes her shift from pediatrics to obstetrics and gynecology, explaining why she values relationships with pregnant women and their families.

At San Jose Clinic, Dr. Neal assists women with gynecological care and helps guide those who are pregnant into OB care. The conversation covers obstacles uninsured women face, including limited transportation and late-stage diagnoses due to lack of regular care. Dr. Neal discusses her encounters with human trafficking survivors, her commitment to cancer research, and the evolution of cancer therapies.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Dr. Mary T. Neal decide to become a physician?

2. What was Dr. Neal’s journey through medical school and into her specialty?

3. What kind of care does Dr. Neal provide as a volunteer at San Jose Clinic?

4. How do clinics like San Jose and St. Mary’s help the under-resourced population?

5. What are the biggest challenges for uninsured or underserved women in accessing breast care?

6. How is human trafficking encountered in Dr. Neal’s clinical work, and how does she approach it?

7. What makes Dr. Judy Chang notable within the cancer physician community?

8. How did Dr. Neal and her husband meet and what makes their relationship unique?

9. Why are new cancer therapies, specifically immunotherapy, so important according to Dr. Neal?

10. How has Dr. Neal supported cancer research and the local medical community beyond clinical practice?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Dr. Neal's Community Impact"

03:05 From Pediatrics to Obstetrics Passion

08:22 San Jose's Fight Against Trafficking

11:16 Collaborative Cancer Research Initiative

15:00 "Mammograms: Early Detection Advocated"

18:04 Relationship Beginnings: Meeting Ron

20:40 Values in Relationships and Parenting

25:08 Immunotherapy's Impact on Cancer Control

29:00 "Medicine: A Life of Service"

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How does a simple flyer lead a high school student to a life-saving discovery?

Monserrat Duron’s decision to perform a self-exam after attending a college fair changed the trajectory of her life. Upon finding a lump, she faced unimaginable challenges due to a lack of insurance. Yet, with the support of The Rose and the steadfast care of Dr. Bonefas, she navigated a grueling journey towards recovery and advocacy.

Twelve years after her diagnosis at eighteen years old, Montserrat is speaking about her experience for the first time ever.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Monserrat initially discover she had a lump in her breast?

2. What challenges did Monserrat face in accessing healthcare after discovering the lump?

3. What was the result of Monserrat's initial examination at The Rose?

4. What significant surgery did Monserrat undergo due to persistent tumors?

5. How did Monserrat's professional life evolve after her recovery?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 We're raising money for uninsured women's diagnostics.

05:19 Early self-exams crucial for detecting breast changes.

08:38 Rose advocates lowering mammogram age guideline to 35.

10:13 Grandma's comment made her avoid seeing herself.

15:14 Relentlessly pursued success in education and life.

17:19 Fearful moments worrying about son's future.

22:10 First in family to attend college.

26:46 Got referral and directions to Harris hilt

30:27 Apologized, recommended plan, discussed surgery, future considerations.

31:09 Reconstruction planned with plastic surgeons, lengthy process.

35:32 Cancerous issue, mostly in younger women.

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.