In this episode of The Illuminated Darkroom, my guests Christa and Heather share their personal journeys through breast cancer, friendship and healthcare. Christa, a mammographer, discusses her path into healthcare and her experiences with patients. Heather shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, the challenges she faced, and the importance of support systems. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of cancer, the role of friendships, and the resilience required to navigate treatment and recovery. Both women emphasize the significance of open communication and the need for awareness about breast cancer in younger populations. Hi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

In this inaugural episode of Season 2, Dr. Ify sits down with two leading Canadian menopause clinicians — Dr. Christina Kanagaratnam (Calgary; Spring Creek Medical Centre) and Dr. Omolayo Famuyide (Winnipeg; Layo Centre) — for a candid, myth-busting conversation on perimenopause and menopause. They define the stages, unpack why symptoms vary so widely, and explain evidence-based options from lifestyle to non-hormonal therapies to menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). They cover bone and heart health, metabolic shifts, brain fog, sleep, mood, sexual health/GSM, fibroids and endometriosis, plus what the SWAN and WHI studies actually mean. The trio also tackles access, culture, and representation — why many racialized women present later, and how partners can support. Gynecologic issues which can be in the spotlight such as fibroids are discussed as well. Practical, compassionate, and grounded in the data, this episode is a starter pack for navigating ife with confidence. Hi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

In this conversation, Alysha and Dr. Ify discuss Alysha's sister Shayla's experience with breast cancer. They talk about Shayla's diagnosis at a young age, her journey with the disease, and the impact it had on their family. They discuss the emotional challenges and the importance of support during this time. The conversation highlights the need for more awareness and support for young women facing breast cancer. In this conversation, Alysha and Dr. Ify discuss Shayla's journey with stage IV breast cancer and her advocacy work. They talk about Shayla's experience seeking second opinions and participating in a clinical trial. They also discuss the importance of self-breast exams and the need for more support for stage IV cancer patients. The conversation ends with Alysha reflecting on Shayla's last days and the impact she had on others. Takeaways · Breast cancer can affect young women, and it is important to raise awareness about this · Getting tested for the BRCA gene mutation can help identify the risk of developing breast cancer · Emotional support and resources are crucial for individuals and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis · Advocacy and sharing personal experiences can help raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges Seeking second opinions can provide hope and access to different treatment options · Clinical trials can offer opportunities for treatment and hope for stage four cancer patients · Regular self-breast exams are important for early detection · More support and awareness are needed for stage four cancer patients · Shayla's journey and advocacy work continue to inspire and make a difference · Discover what’s new on @pinkcancergirl’s page Hint*-An award Hi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

In this conversation, Dr. Lashan Peiris discusses his journey to become an oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon, his transition from the UK to Edmonton, and the importance of oncoplastic surgery in improving patient outcomes. You will be surprised to find out how many breast surgeons in Canada do their own reconstructions and how many are in Edmonton compared to the rest of Canada. Edmonton, you want to hear this! He highlights the Comprehensive Breast Care Program's role in streamlining patient care and addresses breast cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and the complexities of genetic testing. In this conversation, Dr. Lashan Peiris and Dr. Ify discuss various aspects of breast cancer treatment, including the emotional and psychological factors influencing surgical decisions, the importance of understanding risk factors, and the disparities in breast cancer outcomes among different racial groups. They emphasize the significance of early detection through screening and the role of imaging techniques in diagnosis. The discussion also touches on the importance of patient empowerment through self-examination and the challenges faced by male surgeons in establishing rapport with female patients. Finally, they address the balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Takeaways • Dr. Peiris an oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon. • He was inspired by a family doctor during his childhood. • Surgery appealed to him for its physical nature and immediate impact. • Mentorship played a crucial role in his career development. • Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer treatment with cosmetic outcomes. • The Comprehensive Breast Care Program improves patient navigation and care. • Breast cancer risk factors include family history and lifestyle choices. • Genetic testing is important but should be approached with caution. • Education and awareness are key in breast cancer management. Patients often feel compelled to opt for double mastectomy in part due to emotional responses. • Research shows no significant survival benefit from double mastectomy for certain patients. • Cultural differences impact treatment decisions and perceptions of breast cancer. • Racial disparities exist in breast cancer outcomes, necessitating targeted education and outreach. • Early detection through screening is crucial for improving breast cancer prognosis. • Mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer imaging. • Self-breast exams empower women to take charge of their health. • MRI is not routinely used in Canada for breast cancer diagnosis due to resource limitations. • Surgical clips are essential for accurate tumor localization during surgery. • Building rapport with patients is key for male surgeons working with female patients. Hi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

In this enlightening podcast, Dr. Ify engages in a heartfelt conversation with Reen-Ann, a breast cancer survivor, discussing the importance of breast health awareness, personal journeys, and community support. They explore the significance of self-exams, navigating the healthcare system, and the impact of race on healthcare experiences. Reen-Ann shares her diagnosis journey, treatment options, and the empowerment that comes from knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about breast cancer in the Black community and the importance of support systems during treatment. Ultimately, the podcast aims to inspire women to take control of their health and advocate for themselves. Hi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.

Hi, I'm Dr. Ify and I'm excited to introduce you to my new podcast, The Illuminated Darkroom, Conversations About Breast Health and Beyond. In each episode, we'll delve into the often untold aspects of the breast cancer journey, the moments of fear, resilience, and strength that can easily go unnoticed. This isn't just about medical conversations. We'll be sharing real stories from real people on their unique paths. Along the way, I'll bring in subject matter experts to add depth and perspective to our discussions. My first episode is coming in December and whether you're a patient, loved one, healthcare provider, or simply curious, I invite you to join me. Together we can navigate this journey and illuminate the darker moments. Be sure to follow along on your favorite podcast platforms. And if you know someone who would benefit from these conversations, please share this with them. Also follow me on my social media platforms at @drifywomenshealth where I'll be dropping some teasers. I can't wait to embark on this journey with you. Hi its Dr. Ify. Thanks for listening. Please follow me on my social media platforms @drifywomenshealth for upcoming episodes and more. The discussions and opinions shared in this podcast should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult your primary care physician.