Oncologist Dr. Sacha Howell talks to Amy and Naren about the impact of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at a younger age. They explore the aggressive nature of the disease in young women, the limitations of current screening methods, and the benefits and risks of preventative surgeries versus medications. 

Louise Yafai’s mother died of breast cancer, prompting her to do a genetic test. She tells Amy and Naren how a preventative double mastectomy reduced her chances of a breast cancer diagnosis significantly, and about the peace of mind that this has brought her. 

In the episode, we also hear about fertility and cancer and how Amy responded well to fertility treatment ahead of her chemotherapy, allowing her to potentially start a family in the future.  

01:16 Challenges of breast cancer in young women

01:34 Introduction to Dr. Sacha Howell 

02:08 Breast cancer screening and risk factors

06:35 BCAN Ray study and initial findings

08:17 Fertility and treatment considerations

12:21 Louise Yafai’s preventative surgery experience

14:43 The impact of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes

24:57 The Angelina Jolie effect on screening

26:14 Future of breast cancer screening

28:24 Conclusion and resources