In this special podcast episode, Simeca speaks about navigating the breastfeeding journey before and after a breast cancer diagnosis. This episode is for new moms, survivors, or anyone supporting a loved one through their journey with breast cancer. It aims to honour the journey of countless mothers who have endured or are enduring cancer while caring for a newborn, especially in answering the question, "Should I or should I not breastfeed?"

You'll hear insights, including the benefits of breastfeeding, such as a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and more.

During a self-check of the breasts, Simeca explains, "There are cases where you might feel lumps. Lumps during breastfeeding are not necessarily associated with breast cancer. They can be due to a plugged duct, mastitis, extended engorgement, and it's not necessarily cancer." Most importantly, "if you're ever in doubt, visit your healthcare provider to check it out."

Simeca also shares a touching story about a friend who was diagnosed with pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Despite her diagnosis, she was able to breastfeed for two months before undergoing a mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment.

Around the 7th minute of this episode, Simeca discusses radiology and radiography, two closely related fields within medical imaging, without making clear distinctions. Here’s some clarity:

Radiography

Radiography is the process of capturing images using X-ray technology. Radiographers operate X-ray machines, position patients, and ensure high-quality images are obtained. They do not interpret the images but work under the supervision of radiologists or other physicians.

Radiology

Radiology is a medical specialty that involves interpreting and analysing medical images to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists are medical doctors who specialise in interpreting various types of medical images, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine scans.

Radiographers focus on performing the imaging procedures, while radiologists focus on interpreting the images and making diagnoses.

Though we are based in Jamaica, we don't exist in a vacuum. As such, we found it appropriate to release this episode in October as it's observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Notably, the week of October 13th was observed in the US as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It began in 2009 and is meant to educate the public about the need for more money to go to the study of metastatic breast cancer and the development of new treatments. (This information about Metastatic Breast Cancer is adapted from breastcancer.org)

Locally, for help and support with any type of cancer, you may contact the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Tune in and let us know what you think!