In this solo episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons answers the exact questions women ask her every day about breast cancer risk, hormone therapy, aromatase inhibitors, and screening. She breaks down the difference between bioidentical and non-bioidentical hormones, what “high risk” actually means, why fear-based medicine keeps women stuck, and how to build a screening and prevention plan you understand and trust. If you’ve felt dismissed, confused, or pressured into one-size-fits-all choices, this episode gives you language, clarity, and next steps to advocate for your body.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Bioidentical vs non-bioidentical hormones, and what matters after breast cancer
The truth about estrogen, recurrence risk, and the “have vs had breast cancer” distinction
Why aromatase inhibitors feel brutal, what they’re doing, and how to support your body on them
What “high risk” really means, plus how breast density actually fits into risk
Safer screening options like QT and ultrasound, and what to do when QT isn’t available
How the ARIA tear test works, what a positive result means, and your next steps
What calcifications can signal and how to think about DCIS without panic
How to combine integrative care with conventional oncology without losing support
Why breast cancer is tied to inflammation and metabolic health, and what to track

Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
03:05 Why Women Aren’t Getting Clear Answers About Breast Health
06:00 Bioidentical vs Non-Bioidentical Hormones
13:30 Estrogen, Hormone Therapy, and Breast Cancer Risk
20:10 Aromatase Inhibitors Explained
27:45 Supporting Quality of Life While on Aromatase Inhibitors
34:30 Understanding What “High Risk” Really Means
39:40 Breast Density Explained
45:30 Limitations of Mammograms and MRI
50:40 The ARIA Tear Test and Prevention-Based Screening
56:30 QT Scan, Ultrasound, and Safer Imaging Options
1:02:40 Screening After Breast Cancer Treatment
1:07:50 Breast Calcifications and DCIS
1:11:00 Integrative Care and Root Cause Healing
1:13:00 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Support

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-call

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons