Episode: 456
The Silent Signs of Breast Cancer & How to Know Your Cancer Risk With World-Renowned OB-GYN
with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, MD
This episode is a MUST listen.
Today, you’re going to learn life-saving information every woman needs to know about cancer prevention, the screenings and tests that could help detect cancer early, and how to advocate for your health at every age.
Mel is joined by Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, MD, a world-renowned OB-GYN, gynecological surgeon, breast cancer survivor, and women's health advocate.
Dr. A believes all women deserve better health care, and she’s on a mission to help you get it. That starts with knowing what to ask for and how to speak up for yourself.
Today, she’s walking you through what might be missing from your annual visit and exactly what to ask your doctor about.
You’re going to want to take notes for this one because you’ll walk away with specific questions, a detailed list, and resources that could save your life.
Don't ignore your symptoms. Our healthcare system has taught us to dismiss symptoms, to ignore pain. If you get dismissed, go get a second opinion. If you still get dismissed, go get a third opinion.
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, MD
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Key takeaways
If you know your lifetime risk of breast cancer, you can ask for the screening your number requires instead of waiting for an age-based mammogram alone.
If you have dense breasts, a mammogram alone may not be enough because cancer and dense tissue both look white, so you may also need an ultrasound too.
If your doctor says your labs are normal but you still feel something is wrong, keep asking questions because normal labs do not rule out breast cancer.
If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, aggressive prostate, or colon cancer, ask for genetic testing instead of assuming you are low risk.
If you are post-menopausal, an increase in your uterine lining can matter even without bleeding, so an ultrasound can reveal a change worth biopsying.
Guests Appearing in this Episode
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, MD
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, MD, is a world-renowned, board-certified OB-GYN, gynecological surgeon, breast cancer survivor, and leading women's health advocate with decades of experience in patient care, preventive medicine, and reproductive health.
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Podcast: SHE MD
SHE MD is a weekly podcast hosted by world-renowned OBGYN, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, “Dr. A,” and women's advocate and influencer, Mary Alice Haney. Their candid conversations with celebrity guests and today's leading experts about women's health topics, such as menopause, endometriosis, PCOS, and fertility empower their audience with the knowledge and tools to become their own health advocates.
Dr. A and Mary Alice dive deep into critical health issues, offering women the knowledge and tools to become their best health advocates.
At SHE MD, we believe that every woman deserves access to the latest medical insights, personalized care strategies, and expert advice to navigate their health journey. From breaking down myths to providing practical tips, Dr. Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney create a welcoming and informative space for women to take control of their health. The podcast features exclusive interviews with top-tier celebrity guests and leading experts across the medical, wellness, and health industries. Together, they explore real-world stories, struggles, and successes to ensure that every listener can feel heard and supported.
SHE MD aims to change that by providing a platform where women can receive trustworthy, expert advice on key health issues affecting their lives. Whether you’re dealing with painful menstrual cycles, navigating fertility challenges, or going through menopause, SHE MD brings clarity to these topics in a way that feels personal, approachable, and actionable. Dr. Thais Aliabadi provides expert insights into the most pressing women’s health issues, offering listeners a chance to learn from one of the leading voices in the field. Her knowledge is complemented by Mary Alice Haney's ability to relate to everyday challenges, offering a compassionate and approachable perspective on complex topics.
Resources
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Resources from Dr. Aliabadi:
- SheMD: Tyrer-Cuzick Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Calculator
- SheMD: After taking the assessment calculator, explore Dr. A’s Action Plans
- SheMD: Very High Lifetime Risk, 35% or More
- SheMD: Olivia Munn's Breast Cancer and the Test that Saved Her Life
- SheMD: Olivia Munn & Leading Voices Speak on Breast Cancer Prevention & Lifetime Risk Assessments
- SheMD: I Was 19 When I Was Diagnosed With Stage 3 Breast Cancer with Miranda McKeon.
- Dr A’s Blog: Understanding Breast Density: Why Women Will Be Notified After Mammograms
- SheMD: Family History of Cancer
- Dr A’s Blog: How to Prepare for a Mammogram
- SheMD: 6 Breast Changes You Should Never Ignore
- SheMD: Love, Loss, and Ovarian Cancer: Taylor Odlozil and GYN Oncologist, Dr. Kristin N. Taylor
- SheMD: Ask Dr. A: Pap Smear vs HPV Test... What’s the Difference?
- Dr. A’s Blog: Salpingitis
- Dr. A’s Blog: Salpingectomy Procedure
- SheMD: Heart Health Action Plan: Dr. A's Top Cardiovascular Health Tips
- SheMD: How To Not Have a Heart Attack! A Cardiologist’s Secrets
Additional Resources:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Understanding Breast Density and Your Mammogram Results
- National Cancer Institute: How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
- American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk
- Breastcancer.org: Breast Self-Exam: Get to Know Your Breasts in 5 Steps
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Fallopian Tube Removal as a Strategy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Screening for Cervical Cancer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HPV Vaccine Recommendations
- National Cancer Institute: BRCA Gene Changes, Cancer Risk, and Genetic Testing
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers
- Cleveland Clinic: Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)
- American Heart Association: Lipoprotein(a)
- Cleveland Clinic: Pelvic Ultrasound
- Bone Health & Osteoporosis
- Cleveland Clinic: Tamoxifen
- The Lancet Oncology: Tamoxifen for prevention of breast cancer: extended long-term follow-up of the IBIS-I breast cancer prevention trial
- National Human Genome Research Institute: Polygenic risk scores