The Breast Cancer Podcast
From Surgery to Survivorship, Dr. Deepa Halaharvi discuss cancer topics that affect breast cancer patient and survivors. They provide clarity on a cancer diagnosis and provide insight into the struggles of survivorship. Their goal is to provide a supportive and informative platform for breast cancer survivors. This podcast offers insights and resources that will help survivors navigate the challenges of post-treatment survivorship.This podcast does not intended for medical advice. Please consult with your doctor if you have any questions regarding your diagnosis.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: What It Means & What It Doesn’t- Part 2
What does treatment for metastatic breast cancer actually look like—and how do you continue living your life while receiving ongoing treatment?
In Part 2 of our metastatic breast cancer series,
We break down hormone therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy in understandable language.
We also talk about how treatment is personalized and why quality of life matters when making treatment decisions.
But this conversation goes beyond medications. We discuss fatigue, side effects, work, family, caregivers, scan anxiety, uncertainty, and the emotional reality of living with metastatic disease.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: What It Means & What It Doesn’t- Part 1
I am grateful to have Dr. Shabana Dewani join me for this conversation.
The words “stage IV breast cancer” can bring an enormous amount of fear.
But fear is often made worse by uncertainty and misconceptions.
In Part 1 of our special three-part series on metastatic breast cancer, we go back to the basics:
What exactly is metastatic breast cancer? How is it different from early-stage disease? Where can breast cancer spread? And what does a metastatic diagnosis really mean for someone's life and future?
We also addre...
Exercise Oncology: The Cancer Therapy Hiding in Plain Sight
What if one of the most powerful tools to help cancer patients wasn't another medication—but movement?
In this episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast, Dr. Mark Cripe and I sit down with one of the world's leading pioneers in Exercise Oncology, Dr. Jay Harness, to discuss why exercise is becoming an essential part of cancer care.
We explore:
💗 How exercise reduces cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, and depression
🏃♀️ The science behind Exercise Oncology
📊 The groundbreaking CHALLENGE Trial and why it has changed the conversation about cancer survivorship
🎗️ What breast cancer survivors should know about reducing re...
Breaking the Silence: Breast Cancer in the South Asian Community
This episode is deeply personal to me.
As the daughter of Indian immigrants, a breast surgeon, and a breast cancer survivor, I've seen firsthand how difficult it can be for our community to talk openly about health issues—especially breast cancer.
Too often, conversations are delayed by fear, stigma, modesty, or the belief that we should simply "stay strong" and endure.
But when it comes to breast cancer:
💔 Silence delays screening.💔 Silence delays diagnosis.💔 Silence can cost lives.
In this episode, we discuss:✔ Why breast cancer rates are rising in...
The Silent Heart Crisis in South Asians
💛 The Silent Heart Crisis in South Asians
This episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast is deeply personal to me. I am grateful that Dr. Mubin Syed joined me on this podcast to share his expertise and knowledge on Cardiovascular Disease in South Asians.
I lost my mom to complications of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. And looking back, I often wonder:
👉 What did we miss?
👉 What did we not know sooner?
That’s why I wanted to have this conversation.
In this episode, we discuss an important reality that many p...
Too Young for Breast Cancer? Think Again: Myths, Facts & What Matters Most
Breast cancer in young women is rising—and many are left with more questions than answers.
In this episode, we break down:
✔️ Why breast cancer happens in younger women
✔️ What symptoms you should never ignore
✔️ Genetics, fertility, and treatment decisions
✔️ The truth behind common myths
And most importantly—
💛 You did nothing wrong. You are not alone.
This conversation is about education, empowerment, and hope—for patients, survivors, and anyone who wants to understand.
🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs this.
#BreastCancerAwareness #YoungBreastCancer #WomensHealth #BreastSurgery #CancerSurvivor #PatientEducation #KnowYourBody #EarlyDetection #TheBreastCan...
From Radical to Refined — How Breast Cancer Surgery Evolved
March is Women’s History Month, and today’s episode is more than medicine…
It’s a story of science, courage, and the voices of women who changed everything.
For decades, women were told that survival required sacrifice —
not just of the breast… but of identity.
Radical surgeries.
Permanent disability.
No questions asked.
But something powerful happened.
💡 Science evolved.
💬 Patients began to speak up.
👩⚕️ Women entered medicine.
And everything changed.
Today, breast cancer surgery is no longer about doing more —
it’s about doing what’s necessary… and nothing more.
...
Paving Your Path Through Breast Cancer And Beyond: A Practical Guide to Treatment and Beyond
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Amy Comander on The Breast Cancer Podcast 💕
Dr. Comander is a medical oncologist, survivor advocate, and the author of her powerful new book, Paving Your Path Through Breast Cancer And Beyond. Evidence-Based Lifestyle Medicine Tools for Cancer Survivorship.
In this episode, we talk about:
✨ Navigating breast cancer one step at a time
✨ Practical tools for survivorship—body, mind, and soul
✨ How patients can feel empowered (not overwhelmed) through treatment and beyond
✨ Why survivorship deserves just as much attention as diagnosis and treatment
As a breast surgeo...
From Friendship to Fighting Cancer: Two Physicians, One Shared Mission
As we begin new year, here is your reminder: Survivorship is active, not passive.
What began as a friendship grew into a shared mission—to care for, educate, and advocate for those facing breast cancer.
Thanks Friendship Podcast for inviting us for this empowering conversation. In this episode, Dr. Shabana Dewani and I talk honestly about breast cancer from both sides of the table—as physicians and as humans who walk closely with survivors every day. We are both passionate about: movement and strength training- which rebuilds muscle lost during treatment, improves bone density and reduces fractu...
We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and Elegance. Expert Panel 2: Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer: Whole Person Wellness
We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and
Elegance
Sponsored by “The Breast Cancer Podcast” and “Ish and Savi
Foundation”
In person event in Columbus, OH, USA on Nov 15 th , 2025
Expert Panel 2: Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer: Whole Person
Wellness
1. Mental Health: “Mind Over Cancer” Amy Durtschi
2. Sexual Health: “Survivorship is SEXY- let’s talk about it.” Jodi Gibbs
3. Physical therapy: “Stretch, Strengthen, Thrive: Physical Therapy After
Breast Cancer.” Angela Kidd
4. Gyn Oncologist: “Your Post-Cancer Screening Roadmap: More Than
Mammograms” Dr. Amy Harper
<...
We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and Elegance. Expert Panel 1: Advances in After Breast Cancer Care
We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and
Elegance
Sponsored by “The Breast Cancer Podcast” and “Ish and Savi
Foundation”
In person event in Columbus, OH, USA on Nov 15 th , 2025
Expert Panel 1: Advances in After Breast Cancer Care
1. Breast Surgery: - Follow-Up After Breast Cancer: To Scan or Not to Scan?” Dr. Mark Cripe
2. Plastic surgery: “Optimizing outcomes after reconstruction, latest advances in
2025.” Dr. Nirvana Saraswat
3. Medical Oncology: “The Next Chapter: Thriving, Not Just Surviving, After Breast
Cancer.” Dr. Shabana Dewani...
Your Won Life: From Broken to Brave — My Story of Rising When It Mattered Most
It was truly an honor to join Kimyung Kim on Your Won Life. Our conversation went far beyond the surface — we explored purpose, resilience, healing, and what it truly means to rise after life’s hardest moments. His thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity created space for a meaningful dialogue that reflects both my journey as a surgeon and my experiences as a survivor. I left the conversation feeling grateful, inspired, and reminded of why sharing our stories matters so deeply.
Connect with Kimyung Kim
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yourwonlifepodcast
Ins...
Behind the Myths: What Science Really Says About Breast Cancer
🎀 New Episode Alert!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and it’s time to separate myth from medicine.
From mammograms to lifestyle choices, let’s break down what’s true, what’s not, and what every woman (and man) needs to know to protect their health.
🎧 Listen to The Breast Cancer Podcast: “Behind the Myths: What Science Really Says About Breast Cancer”— streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.
#TheBreastCancerPodcast #BreastCancerAwareness #MythBusting #Survivorship #EducationIsEmpowerment #WeRiseTogether
Dr. Shabana Dewani is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to! She breaks do...
When Cancers Collide: Navigating Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Risk
🎗 September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 🎗
Did you know breast and ovarian cancers can be connected?
In this powerful episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kelli Rath, a leading Gynecologic Oncologist, to talk about:
💡 How breast and ovarian cancer risks overlap
🧬 The importance of BRCA and Lynch genetic testing
🩺 Screening & prevention strategies for high-risk women
🌸 Long-term care for survivors
This conversation is packed with life-saving insights — for survivors, previvors, and anyone with a strong family history.
✨ Because education is empowerment — and together, we rise. ✨
Hashtags:
#Ov...
The Cancer Atlas: A Global view; Cancer doesn’t care where you live but outcomes do.
Joining me is Dr. Kelli Rath, a gynecologic oncologist, and together we’ll explore the global landscape of women’s cancers—from cervical and ovarian to breast.
We’ll talk disparities, prevention, HPV, and how geography still too often predicts survival.
1. What is the Cancer Atlas and why is it important for women’s health?
2. The Cancer Atlas shows that nearly half of all cancer deaths are linked to preventable factors.
3. What are the most concerning modifiable risk factors for women’s cancers today?
4. The Atlas talks about rising cancer rates in low- and middle-in...
What Is Rib-Sparing DIEP? Here’s What You Should Know.
Rib-sparing DIEP flap refers to a technique used during Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction surgery where the surgeon preserves the rib and surrounding muscle when accessing the blood vessels that supply the flap.
Quick Breakdown:
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction:
• Uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a new breast after mastectomy.
• Preserves the abdominal muscles (unlike TRAM flap).
• Requires connection of the flap’s blood vessels (deep inferior epigastric vessels) to chest vessels, usually the internal mammary vessels (IMVs).
• Traditional DIEP:
• Often involves removal of a portion of rib cartilage (typically the...
Reducing Risk, Restoring Power: Steps You Can Take Today To Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk
🎧 this episode of The Breast Cancer Podcast, Dr. Mark Cripe and I explore what science tells us about reducing the risk of breast cancer—and what that means for you. From nutrition, social connections and physical activity to alcohol use, sleep, early morning sunlight and early detection, we break down practical, evidence-based steps that can help you feel more empowered in your breast health journey. Whether you’re a survivor, a previvor, or simply seeking clarity, this conversation is a reminder that knowledge is power—and action is strength.
🌸 Empower yourself to live a rich, meaningful life.
#TheBr...
A Mother’s Heart: Nurturing Others, Nourishing Herself
On this Mother's dray, we honor the heart of every mother — the love she gives, the sacrifices she makes, and the quiet strength she carries every single day.
But today, we also pause to ask: how can mothers take care of themselves? How can faith and medicine guide them to nurture not just others, but their own beautiful, essential selves?
Whether you are a mother, lost a mother, hope to be one, or are simply someone who has been touched by the love of a mother, this episode is for you.
Together, let’s explo...
Getting the BEST results from Breast Surgery: Expert tips for your BEST outcome.
Please join myself and Dr. Tiwari as we discuss "How to get optimized for breast surgery" with Dr. Knackstedt, who is a plastic surgeon as well as a functional medicine specialist.
1. What does it mean to be truly “optimized” for breast surgery—both physically and emotionally?
2. What are some of the most important things patients can do in the weeks leading up to surgery to support healing and recovery?
3. How does nutrition play a role in surgical recovery, and are there specific supplements or foods you recommend—or avoid?
4. Do you integrat...
Learn about "Nerve Sparing DIEP Flap" with Dr. Santosh Kale
Welcome to cutting-edge approach to Breast Reconstruction: "The Nerve Sparing DIEP flap"
A "Nerve sparing DIEP flap" refers to a surgical technique used in breast reconstruction where the surgeon carefully dissects and preserves the nerves that supply the rectus abdominis muscle when harvesting tissue from the lower abdomen using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, minimizing potential complications like abdominal weakness or bulging at the donor site by avoiding damage to these motor nerves; essentially, it prioritizes preserving the function of the abdominal muscles while taking the necessary tissue for breast reconstruction.
Key...
Artificial Intelligence and at High Risk for breast cancer: A conversation with Dr. Kevin Hughes
In this episode, Dr. Mark Cripe and I are joined by Dr. Kevin Hughes, the Director of Cancer Genetics at the Hollings Cancer Center and the McKoy Rose, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Surgical Oncology in the College of Medicine at MUSC. Dr Hughes is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in breast cancer, breast disease management, genetic testing and the identification and management of patients with hereditary breast cancer risk. His research focuses on developing tools that make cancer genetic testing simple, safe, and efficient.
https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/patient-care/genetic-counseling-and-hereditary-cancer/hereditary-cancer-clinic
h...
How can you detect early lymphedema?
Please join Dr. Walton Taylor, Elaine Fielding from Impedimed and Mary Rose Gill, RN as we discuss:
What is lymphedema?
How does SOZO help with early detection of lymphedema?
What do the L-Dex scores mean?
What are the risk factors for developing lymphedema?
What are some ways to minimize lymphedema?
Dr. Walton Taylor is a general surgeon specializing in the care of patients with breast cancer and melanoma.
Dr. Taylor is a former President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. During his term as president, he oversaw the de...
Mental Health and Cancer during Holidays.
Please join Amy Durtschi, psychotherapist in Columbus, Ohio who discusses mental health during holidays, particularly with new cancer diagnosis, going through cancer treatment and someone suffering loss of a family or a friend. This podcast is filled with lot of good tips and Amy gives you a toolbox on how to navigate this difficult season.
You can find her at "Enliven Health and Wellness.
www.enlivenhealthandwellness.com
Ph: 614-940-4868
Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https...
Do you understand your Breast Pathology?
Pathologists are our daily unsung heroes who work secretly behind the scenes – they are also called- “Doctors doctor”.
Your treatment regimen is based on your pathology results. I am so honored to interview, an incredible pathologist in Columbus, OH, Dr. Syed Mohsin. He answers the following questions.
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer
Dr. Shabana Dewani is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to! She breaks down the oncology process and important factors when deciding treatment. You'll be able to hear her passion for helping others ensuring they get the best treatment possible.
Please listen to this episode as we discuss “Pregnancy and Breast cancer”.
We talk about the definition of pregnancy associated breast cancer.
How it is diagnosed and treated?
Is chemotherapy and surgery safe during pregnancy?
Can a woman breast feed after treatment for breast cancer?
How c...
Male Breast Cancer
Dr. Shabana Dewani is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to! She breaks down the oncology process and important factors when deciding treatment. You'll be able to hear her passion for helping others ensuring they get the best treatment possible.
-2800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 530 men will die from breast cancer in 2024.
-Male breast cancer is on the rise.
-What are the risk factors for male breast cancer and why they need genetic test testing?
-How is breast cancer diagnosed in men?
...
Fertility and Breast Cancer
Dr. Shabana Dewani is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine—and a joy to listen to! She breaks down the oncology process and important factors when deciding treatment. You'll be able to hear her passion for helping others ensuring they get the best treatment possible.
As more women delay childbearing to their late 30s and early 40s, many young breast cancer survivors are concerned about preserving their future fertility. If you are a premenopausal woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer, here are answers to some tips you may have related to fertility following breast cance...
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple Delay procedure
Breast- Plastic Surgery Educational Series- 3
Dr. Tiwari of Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery has teamed up with Breast Cancer Surgeon and Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Deepa Halaharvi to bring you this new educational series.
In this episode, we discuss nipple sparing mastectomy and reconstruction.
-Find out who are the ideal candidates
-Learn about Nipple delay procedure
-Learn about the risks and benefits of each procedure
Connect with Midwest Breast on Instagram: Instagram:
Instagram: @MWBreast
Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram...
Breast Cancer in India
Please join me and Dr. Tiwari as we talk with Dr. Karishma Kirti, who is an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon in Mumbai, India. She discusses breast cancer incidence, diagnosis treatment in rural and urban India. She is a phenomenal breast surgeon who is spreading awareness on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. She uses social media to educate the community. This is an incredible episode that you don’t want to miss.
Instagram: @DrKarishmaKirti
https://www.drkarishmakirti.com/
Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
In...
Physical Therapy after Breast Cancer
In this episode Dr. Tiwari and I talk with Physical Therapist, Jodi Diestler from ReVital Cancer Rehab to learn how prehab and rehab can help a patient through oncology treatment. We discuss:
They discuss:
•Prehab before breast cancer surgery
•Cancer rehab after breast cancer diagnosis
•Limitations after breast reconstruction
•Lymphedema, fatigue, exercise and more.
Learn more about Revital Cancer Rehab or to find a location near you, click here.
Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Two are Better than One, Breast Surgeons return to answer questions.
Two are better than one Breast surgeons:
This is a model where two breast surgeons (myself and Dr. Mark Cripe) collaborate and operate together to perform double mastectomies. Over the last several years, Dr. Mark Cripe and I performed several double mastectomies together. We are both fellowship trained breast surgeons and we train residents and breast surgery fellow (who is already a general surgeon but getting another additional year of training to become a fellowship trained breast surgeon).
We perform a variety of surgeries together for women who opt surgery for both breasts:
...
"Don't Wait": A story of a breast cancer survivor's courage to follow her heart and intuition.
Join me in a conversation with Breast cancer survivor and an author, Jennifer Skinnell and her Breast Surgeon, Dr. Mark Cripe about how she navigated her diagnosis
and how she used her intuition to help guide her journey. Her life is also unique in a sense she lives in an RV. She is very inspirational for anyone who is recently diagnosed with cancer, or is in the middle of their journey.
Don’t Wait provides a personal account of Jennifer’s diagnosis of breast cancer and her medical decision-making, all while living in an RV and stay...
Breast Cancer in LGBTQIA+ community- Risk factors and Screening guidelines.
In honor of "PRIDE" month, please join me for a conversation with Dr. Lucy Bucher- she is a passionate OB/GYN and has been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
We talk about breast cancer and its impact in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Risk factors
Causes of disparities in care and how we can mitigate them
Breast Cancer symptoms
Breast cancer screening in:
How to remove barriers to screenings and be your own advocate?
You don't want to miss...
Women's Health and Screening Recommendations.
National Women’s Health week is celebrated each year, beginning on Mother’s Day, to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority. The theme for this year is, “Women’s Health, Whole Health: Prevention, Care and Wellbeing.”
Please welcome, Dr. Anita Somani, she is a highly respected healthcare professional, currently works as an OBGYN as well as, she is currently serving her first term as State Representative for Ohio’s 11th House District, which includes the cities of Dublin and Hilliard in Ohio.
She is very passionate about Women’s Health and issues. She educates O...
Updates from American Society of Breast Surgeons conference, 2024
It is my honor to welcome, Dr. Jovita Oruwari, MD FACS. She is a superstar Breast Surgeon, Wife, Mom and an Author.
She is also a fellowship, trained breast surgeon from Women and Infants hospital of Rhode Island – Brown University, currently practicing in St. Louis. She has been voted as one of St. Louis top docs by her peers every year from 2007 to present she was selected for excellence in healthcare award by St. Louis American newspaper. She’s very involved in the community outreach and education by giving breast cancer presentations to churches and community groups. She’s very...
Finding your New Normal Series 1- Episode 3: "Body Image"
Your survivorship starts the day of your diagnosis. Being told you have cancer is life altering experience. In 2024, over 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods of breast cancer treatments could include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the ovaries, anti-estrogen therapy, and radiotherapy.
Body Image is:
•How you see or picture yourself.
•How you feel others perceive you.
•What you believe about your physical appearance.
•How you feel about your body.
•How you feel in your body.
Join us for this episode on body image as we discuss triggers and tips on how...
Breast- Plastic Surgery Educational Series 2 -Episode 2
Breast- Plastic Surgery Educational Series- 2
Dr. Tiwari of Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery has teamed up with Breast Cancer Surgeon and Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Deepa Halaharvi to bring you this new educational series.
In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of dealing with breast cancer topics like:
•Early detection through mammography
•Understanding dense breasts
•The various stages and types of breast cancer and the impact of family history.
• When to ask your Doctor for "Breast Cancer Risk Assessment". We discuss actress, Olivia Munn's breast cancer diagnosis from her high risk scr...
Finding your New Normal Series 1- Episode 2: How to tackle, "Hot Flashes"
Your survivorship starts the day of your diagnosis. Being told you have cancer is life altering experience. In 2024, over 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods of breast cancer treatments could include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the ovaries, anti-estrogen therapy, and radiotherapy. This can induce menopause in women who are not yet menopausal. “Induced menopause” can cause intense menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbance, urinary tract problems, painful intercourse, and bone loss.
Today, we will tackle, "Hot Flashes". Most breast cancers are sensitive to the hormone estrogen, so systemic hormone therapy (hormo...
Breast -Plastic Educational Series 2 - Episode 1
Introducing Breast-Plastic Surgery Education- series 1
Dr. Tiwari of Midwest Breast has teamed up with breast cancer surgeon Dr. Deepa Halaharvi to bring you a NEW educational series: The Breast & Plastic Education Series!
Join us as we discuss all topics pertaining to breast and plastic surgery. We will discuss different type of breast and reconstruction surgeries, give you tips on what to expect with your surgery. We will also discuss preoperative preparation as well as postoperative care and answer the most commonly asked questions.
Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Finding your New Normal series 1- episode1: How to tackle, "Fear of recurrence"
Happy New Year, 2024.
I have re-introduced myself and the reasons for why I want to keep working on this podcast.
Your survivorship starts the day of your diagnosis. Being told you have cancer is life altering experience. Though, you may have completed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, you may have lingering side-effects that continue for sometime.
This is the first episode of the series, "Finding your New Normal"- "Fear of recurrence". I will talk about the triggers, when you should seek help and strategies to tackle it. After listening to this episode, I hope you...
