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Breaking the Code on Breast Cancer with guest expert Paula Schneider, former President & CEO Susan G. Komen
Season 1 Episode 48
Breaking the Code on Breast Cancer with guest expert Paula Schneider, former President & CEO Susan G. Komen
We're talking about more than just awareness for breast cancer—we're talking about actionable steps you can take right now to support yourself and others on their health journey. Yes! We are decoding and demystifying it all.
Get ready to learn how to navigate and thrive even with an aggressive breast cancer. Paula Schneider, Honorary Vice Chair of Susan G. Komen, knows this diagnosis firsthand after facing triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. Her personal journey and professional leadership highlight the urgent need for research, advocacy, and patient support.
From cutting-edge advances like AI for earlier cancer detection to practical ways families can talk about illness, this episode sheds light on how we can improve outcomes, find hope, and ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.
Her very personal journey brought her to lead the world's largest breast cancer non-profit -- and, now, write a children's book to help families navigate a tough diagnosis of any sort. Sharing with us how to talk to your kids and get through the various challenging steps together.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Why breast cancer can recur even in people with the healthiest lifestyles
- What makes triple-negative breast cancer so aggressive and difficult to treat
- How to talk to children about illness in age-appropriate, reassuring ways
- The importance of emotional and family support throughout treatment
- Breakthrough research, including AI technology that can detect breast cancer years earlier
- Why early detection (stage 0–1) leads to dramatically better outcomes
- How Susan G. Komen supports patients through financial aid, helplines, and community programs
- The role of advocacy and public policy in improving access to care and treatments
- Trusted resources like Komen.org for science-based information after diagnosis
- Join the Registry: Hear about the "Share for Cures" registry and how you can be a part of this vital effort, just like I did.
… And much more.
You can go to komen.org to learn more about all the services, the helpline, and the Share for Cures registry.
Share this episode with your friends and family!
About our guest expert: Paula Schneider
Paula Schneider is Honorary Vice Chair of Susan G. Komen®. From 2017-2025 Paula served as president & CEO of Susan G. Komen and was responsible for day-to-day operations, strategic direction, and was accountable for the world’s largest breast cancer organization.
As a breast cancer survivor, mother of two daughters and having lost her own mother to metastatic breast cancer, Paula’s work is personal as she brings a unique combination of business expertise and real-world perspective to Komen’s mission. Paula steered Komen into a more mission-driven era, emphasizing breakthrough research, science-based resources, streamlined patient services, and policy advocacy.
She spearheaded the introduction of programs like AI-powered early detection, a national breast cancer helpline, and financial support services. Paula also authored Love Stays Strong, a touching children’s book designed to help families talk about illness with honesty and hope.
Under her leadership, Komen accelerated research, advocacy, community outreach and patient care, leaving the organization well-positioned for future success. To date, Komen has invested more than $3.5 billion in these critical areas, advancing its mission to save lives and to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Schneider continues to serve
Published on 1 month ago