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 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: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

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

Speed Dating with the Experts: Moderator- Dr. Mark Cripe (Breast
and Melanoma Surgeon)
Experts:
1. Amy Durtschi, LPCC-S, PhD-Mental Health Expert
2. Jodi Gibbs, MPAS, PA-C- Expert in Sexual Health
3. Angela Kidd, PT, DPT, CLT, LANA- Physical Therapist
4. Dr. Amy Harper, Gynecology Oncologist

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

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
4. Radiation Oncology: “Radiation Complete… Now What? Your Follow-Up
Roadmap” Dr. Vijay Kudithipudi

Speed Dating with the Experts: Moderator- Dr. Mark Cripe (Breast and
Melanoma Surgeon)
Experts:
1. Dr. Shabana Dewani- Medical Oncologist
2. Dr. Nirvana Saraswat- Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon
3. Dr. Vijay Kudithipudi- Radiation Oncologist
4. Dr. Tyler Sbrocchi- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
5. Dr. Santosh Kale- Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgeon

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

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 at Instagram

Check out his Podcast on your podcast platform: Your Won Life

We discussed :

1) Detection & Screening of breast cancer
Know your body and symptoms
Monthly breast self-exam
Under 40: clinical exam every 3 years
Age 40+: annual mammograms
Family history: start 10 years earlier than relative’s diagnosis
2) 5 Prevention Pillars
Strength training 3x/week + cardio
Max 2 alcoholic drinks/week
7–8 hours sleep + morning sunlight
Stay socially connected
Follow screening guidelines
3) Diet
Mediterranean diet
4) Genetics: Test if you have family history
Talk openly about family cancer history
5) Patient Rights
It’s OK to question or seek a second opinion
Switch doctors if dismissed
Keep all records
6) Supporting Someone With Cancer
Do: Listen, help with meals/childcare/cleaning, stay present
Don’t: Share death stories, minimize, or say “I know how you feel”
7) Key Points
50% of cancers are preventable
Early detection saves lives
You are the CEO of your health
Focus on what’s in front of you now

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

🎀 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 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: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

🎗 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:
#OvarianCancerAwareness #BreastCancerPodcast #WeRiseTogether #GeneticsAndCancer #BRCA #LynchSyndrome #CancerPrevention #Survivorship #WomensHealth #EducationIsEmpowerment

To Contact Dr. Kelli Rath:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-rath-3a1397311/

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

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-income countries. Why is that happening, and what are the consequences for women?
5. From your perspective as a gyn oncologist, what do we need more of—globally and locally—to address this rising burden?
6. How do stories and survivors give life to the data in the Cancer Atlas?

To Contact Dr. Kelli Rath:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-rath-3a1397311/

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast

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 2nd or 3rd rib) to reach the internal mammary vessels for microsurgical connection.
• This can lead to post-op pain, risk of chest wall weakness, or delayed healing.
• Rib-Sparing Technique:
• Avoids rib removal by carefully dissecting around the rib or using intercostal spaces.
• Benefits:
• Less post-op pain.
• Preserved chest wall integrity.
• Potentially quicker recovery.
• More cosmetic outcome (less chance of chest wall contour deformity).

Clinical Note:
• Rib-sparing is technically more challenging and requires a skilled microsurgeon.
• Not all patients are candidates; it depends on anatomy, vessel quality, and other surgical considerations.

Connect with Midwest Breast on Instagram: Instagram:
Instagram: @MWBreast

Stay Connected with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi:
TikTok: @breastdoctor
Instagram: @drdhalaharvi
TBCP Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast
Website: https://drdeepahalaharvi.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepahalaharvi5917

Instagram: @thebreastcancerpodcast