Podcast
The Breast Cancer Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Deepa Halaharvi · EN
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.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Breaking the Silence: Breast Cancer in the South Asian Community
3d ago00:27:04Tap to summarizeThis 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 South Asian women✔ Why many women present at later stages✔ Common myths and misconceptions✔ Family history, genetics, and risk factors✔ Screening recommendations✔ The importance of early detection✔ How families can better support loved ones facing breast cancerMost importantly, we talk about breaking the silence.Because talking about breast cancer is not something to fear—it is an act of courage.💛 Seeking care is not selfish.💛 Getting screened is not overreacting.💛 Asking questions is not shameful.Every conversation we have today may help save a life tomorrow.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend, or colleague.Let's start the conversations our community can no longer afford to whisper about.Dr. Kavya Krishna is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine. She is a wonderful physician who is kind, compassionate and empathetic with her patients.Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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The Silent Heart Crisis in South Asians
May 601:04:43Tap to summarize💛 The Silent Heart Crisis in South AsiansThis 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 people still don’t realize:⚠️ South Asians are at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes—often at younger ages and even at “normal” body weights.We talk about:✔️ Why cardiovascular disease happens earlier in South Asians✔️ What “skinny fat” really means✔️ Why normal BMI and labs can sometimes be misleading✔️ Genetics, lifestyle, and cultural factors✔️ The intersection between breast cancer survivorship and heart health✔️ Most importantly—what we can actually do to reduce riskOne of the most important takeaways:👉 You can look healthy on the outside and still carry significant risk on the inside.But there is hope.Through earlier awareness, screening, lifestyle changes, and better conversations within our families and communities, we can change outcomes.I can’t change my mom’s story.But my hope is that this conversation helps someone else change theirs.Author Bio:Mubin Syed, MD, is a nationally recognized physician with 30 years experience, specializing in endovascular therapy. He is also a health historian and a medtech entrepreneur holding 28 patents. He is the author of a medical guide on pain treatment and Healing From Our History: How Colonial-Era Famines Led to a Modern South Asian Health Crisis. His mission to help South Asians improve their health led to a TEDx Talk, and features in CNN International/The Guardian, HuffPostUK, Indian Express International, The Juggernaut, and Brown HistoryPodcast.For interviews, email: Desidoc.health@gmail.comInstagram: @desidoc.md (DM: “interview request”)Website: www.desidocmd.com/Healing From Our History by Dr. Mubin Syed is available now!https://store.bookbaby.com/book/healing-from-our-historyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4MBFFK3Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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Too Young for Breast Cancer? Think Again: Myths, Facts & What Matters Most
Apr 1000:47:34Tap to summarizeBreast 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 mythsAnd 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 #TheBreastCancerPodcastDr. Kavya Krishna is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine. She is a wonderful physician who is kind, compassionate and empathetic with her patients.Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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From Radical to Refined — How Breast Cancer Surgery Evolved
Mar 1700:27:44Tap to summarizeMarch 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.In this episode, I walk you through:✨ How we moved from disfiguring surgeries to precision care✨ The trials that proved less can be just as effective ✨ Why quality of life is now part of the conversation✨ And how patient voices reshaped modern medicineAs a breast surgeon and a survivor, this journey is deeply personal to me.Because today, we don’t just treat cancer.We treat the person.💭 And when we combine evidence with compassion…that is when healing truly happens.🎧 Listen now on The Breast Cancer Podcast#TheBreastCancerPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #BreastCancerAwareness#BreastSurgery #Oncology #PatientEducation #WomenInMedicine#CancerSurvivor #HealthEquity #MedicalEducation #BreastCancerCare#EvidenceBasedMedicine #WomenSupportingWomen #WeRiseTogetherStay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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Paving Your Path Through Breast Cancer And Beyond: A Practical Guide to Treatment and Beyond
Feb 300:50:50Tap to summarizeI 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 treatmentAs a breast surgeon and a survivor myself, I deeply value conversations like this—ones that meet patients where they are and remind them that they are not alone on this journey.Amy Comander, MD, DipABLM, FACLM, MSCP is a breast oncologist and Medical Director of the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Waltham, Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Program at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. As a breast oncologist, Dr. Comander has witnessed the struggles her patients face during and following completion of primary cancer treatment, and she is passionate about improving the overall health and well-being of breast cancer survivors through lifestyle interventions. In 2019, she launched the PAVING the Path to Wellness Program lifestyle medicine program for breast cancer survivors. She mentors other colleagues to run PAVING groups, so that this transformational experience can be offered to a larger group of cancer survivors. She has co-authored "PAVING Your Path Through Breast Cancer and Beyond," "PAVING the Path to Wellness Manual and Workbook," and "PAVING a Path Through Menopause and Beyond." Driven to integrate lifestyle medicine in cancer care, Dr. Comander is honored to be the first oncologist awarded Fellow status by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her Books: also available on Amazon! PAVING Your Path Through Breast Cancer and BeyondPAVING the Path to Wellness Manual & Workbook (Second Edition) Social media: @DrAmyComander on InstagramStay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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From Friendship to Fighting Cancer: Two Physicians, One Shared Mission
Jan 2501:05:41Tap to summarizeAs 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 fracture risk, lowers fatigue, improves energy, supports metabolic health and reduces risk of recurrence.We discuss prevention, recovery, survivorship, and the often unspoken emotional journey that continues long after treatment ends.This isn’t just about medicine.It’s about connection, trust, hope, and walking alongside patients with compassion and purpose. We are both grateful to have conversations that elevate awareness and strengthen our community.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.Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and Elegance. Expert Panel 1: Advances in After Breast Cancer Care
Dec 700:55:36Tap to summarizeWe Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment andEleganceSponsored by “The Breast Cancer Podcast” and “Ish and SaviFoundation”In person event in Columbus, OH, USA on Nov 15 th , 2025Expert Panel 1: Advances in After Breast Cancer Care1. Breast Surgery: - Follow-Up After Breast Cancer: To Scan or Not to Scan?” Dr. Mark Cripe2. Plastic surgery: “Optimizing outcomes after reconstruction, latest advances in2025.” Dr. Nirvana Saraswat3. Medical Oncology: “The Next Chapter: Thriving, Not Just Surviving, After BreastCancer.” Dr. Shabana Dewani4. Radiation Oncology: “Radiation Complete… Now What? Your Follow-UpRoadmap” Dr. Vijay KudithipudiSpeed Dating with the Experts: Moderator- Dr. Mark Cripe (Breast andMelanoma Surgeon)Experts:1. Dr. Shabana Dewani- Medical Oncologist2. Dr. Nirvana Saraswat- Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon3. Dr. Vijay Kudithipudi- Radiation Oncologist4. Dr. Tyler Sbrocchi- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon5. Dr. Santosh Kale- Plastic and Reconstructive MicrosurgeonStay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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We Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment and Elegance. Expert Panel 2: Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer: Whole Person Wellness
Dec 700:46:57Tap to summarizeWe Rise Together: An Evening of Education, Empowerment andEleganceSponsored by “The Breast Cancer Podcast” and “Ish and SaviFoundation”In person event in Columbus, OH, USA on Nov 15 th , 2025Expert Panel 2: Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer: Whole PersonWellness1. Mental Health: “Mind Over Cancer” Amy Durtschi2. Sexual Health: “Survivorship is SEXY- let’s talk about it.” Jodi Gibbs3. Physical therapy: “Stretch, Strengthen, Thrive: Physical Therapy AfterBreast Cancer.” Angela Kidd4. Gyn Oncologist: “Your Post-Cancer Screening Roadmap: More ThanMammograms” Dr. Amy HarperSpeed Dating with the Experts: Moderator- Dr. Mark Cripe (Breastand Melanoma Surgeon)Experts:1. Amy Durtschi, LPCC-S, PhD-Mental Health Expert2. Jodi Gibbs, MPAS, PA-C- Expert in Sexual Health3. Angela Kidd, PT, DPT, CLT, LANA- Physical Therapist4. Dr. Amy Harper, Gynecology OncologistStay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Transcribe →Your Won Life: From Broken to Brave — My Story of Rising When It Mattered Most
Nov 2800:46:42Tap to summarizeIt 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/yourwonlifepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourwonlifepodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimyungkim/Check out his Podcast on your podcast platform: Your Won LifeWe discussed : 1) Detection & Screening of breast cancerKnow your body and symptomsMonthly breast self-examUnder 40: clinical exam every 3 yearsAge 40+: annual mammogramsFamily history: start 10 years earlier than relative’s diagnosis2) 5 Prevention PillarsStrength training 3x/week + cardioMax 2 alcoholic drinks/week7–8 hours sleep + morning sunlightStay socially connectedFollow screening guidelines3) DietMediterranean diet4) Genetics: Test if you have family historyTalk openly about family cancer history5) Patient RightsIt’s OK to question or seek a second opinionSwitch doctors if dismissedKeep all records6) Supporting Someone With CancerDo: Listen, help with meals/childcare/cleaning, stay presentDon’t: Share death stories, minimize, or say “I know how you feel”7) Key Points50% of cancers are preventableEarly detection saves livesYou are the CEO of your healthFocus on what’s in front of you nowStay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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Behind the Myths: What Science Really Says About Breast Cancer
Oct 2300:34:52Tap to summarize🎀 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 #WeRiseTogetherDr. 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.Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:TikTok: @breastdoctorInstagram: @drdhalaharviTBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcastWebsite: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
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