In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa sits down with award-winning writer, speaker, podcaster, breast cancer survivor, and advocate Rachel Sobel for an honest conversation about early detection, self-advocacy, breast cancer screening, double mastectomy, reconstruction, and survivorship.
After her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Rachel began screening early and spent years navigating mammograms, MRIs, biopsies, dense breast screening, and the anxiety that can come with constant surveillance. Then, nine months after a clear mammogram, Rachel felt a lump and was diagnosed with bilateral stage 1 breast cancer.
Rachel shares why she chose a bilateral mastectomy, how she advocated for the reconstruction plan she wanted, why finding the right medical team matters, and how early detection shaped her outcome. She and Marisa also talk about scanxiety, second opinions, mental health support, trusting your instincts, and learning to use your voice in the exam room.
Today, Rachel is a member of Right Scan Right Time’s Patient Leadership Council, an ambassador and peer supporter for Sharsheret, and an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College. Her upcoming book, Breast Case Scenario: A Cautionary Tale of Early Detection, Survivorship, and Advocacy, comes out this spring from Post Hill Press.
Rachel has appeared on NPR, The Doctors, The Tamron Hall Show, and The Kelly Clarkson Show, and won Romper’s 2020 People’s Choice Award at Mom 2.0.
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Podcast, Friends Without Benefits
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