Test Those Breasts ™️

Ep. 117 (Part 1) Breaking the Silence Around Male Breast Cancer w/ Jake Messier

In this powerful first part of my conversation with Jake Messier, we discuss the reality that men get breast cancer too, and why so many people still don’t know it. Jake shares his personal diagnosis story, the emotional impact of navigating a disease often viewed as “only for women,” and the isolation many men experience in breast cancer spaces. We also talk about: * Male breast cancer awareness * Feeling excluded in pink-centered spaces * Advocacy and representation * The emotional side of diagnosis * Support groups and community * Why language and inclusion matter * The need for more awareness, research, and education for men This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and incredibly important. Part 2 will continue Jake’s story as we discuss treatment, stage 4 breast cancer, mental health, survivorship, and finding purpose through advocacy. Jake Messier: theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com [theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com] @theguywithstage4breastcancer on TikTok and Instagram www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com [http://www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com]

Ep. 116: Mammogram Myths, Breast Cancer Misinformation & Screening Guidelines with Dr. Robyn Roth

In this episode of Test Those Breasts, Jamie Vaughn sits down with board-certified breast radiologist Dr. Robyn Roth, founder of The Boobie Docs, to discuss some of the biggest misconceptions and controversies surrounding breast cancer screening, mammograms, dense breast tissue, and early detection. Together, they tackle misinformation spreading online about mammograms causing cancer, confusion around new breast screening recommendations, self-advocacy in healthcare, and the increasing number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Roth also shares insight into AI and the future of breast imaging, why annual mammograms matter, and how women can better understand their own breast health and risk. The conversation also explores: • Dense breast tissue and supplemental screening • Breast self-awareness and self-exams • Why younger women need breast health education • The emotional weight of guilt after diagnosis • Patient advocacy and using your voice in healthcare • The importance of evidence-based information online Dr. Robyn Roth is also the creator of The Boobie Docs educational platform, host of The Girlfriend’s Guide to Breast Cancer podcast, and author of the children’s book Everyone Has Boobies. For more information, resources, books, podcast links, and contact information, visit: TheBoobieDocs.com [http://TheBoobieDocs.com]

Ep. 115: Emotional Healing After Cancer: Depression, Anxiety, & Support w/ Paula Berry

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Paula Berry, a licensed clinical social worker, trauma specialist, and cancer survivor, to talk about the emotional side of cancer that often goes unspoken. Paula shares her personal experience with colorectal cancer, including treatment, life-altering surgery, and the unexpected mental health challenges that followed. Together, they explore what emotional survivorship really looks like, navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressure to “get back to normal.” They also discuss the importance of community, how to find the right therapist, and why support beyond medical treatment is essential. Paula introduces psychedelic-assisted therapy, including psilocybin, and explains why it’s being studied as a potential tool for addressing cancer-related distress. It's a reminder that healing after cancer is not just physical, it’s emotional, too. ---------------------------------------- * research * The difference between recreational and therapeutic use ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Sierra Psychedelic Society: https://www.sierrapsychedelic.org/ [https://www.sierrapsychedelic.org/] * Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicine: https://www.nevadacpm.org/ [https://www.nevadacpm.org/] * Johns Hopkins University (psychedelic research): https://www.hopkinspsychedelic.org/ [https://www.hopkinspsychedelic.org/] * In Waves and War (documentary): https://www.inwavesandwarfilm.com/ [https://www.inwavesandwarfilm.com/] ----------------------------------------

Episode 114: Transforming Breast Imaging with Dr. Margaret Bredehoft

What if early detection didn’t just mean finding cancer sooner, but completely transforming how women move from diagnosis to care? In this episode of the Test Those Breasts Podcast, Jamie Vaughn sits down with Dr. Margaret Bredehoft of Gnosis for Her [https://gnosisforher.com/]to talk about the future of breast imaging and why innovation in this space is so important. Together, they explore how emerging technologies like dedicated breast CT could: * Detect tumors at incredibly early stages * Reduce the time between detection and treatment * Create a more compassionate, dignified experience for women This conversation highlights the importance of giving women more options, more clarity, and more control over their care journey. ---------------------------------------- IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: * The importance of early detection * Advances in breast imaging * Improving the patient experience * Expanding options in women’s healthcare * The role of education and advocacy ---------------------------------------- CONTACT & CONNECT Dr. Margaret Bredehoft 📧 margaret@gnosisforher.com [margaret@gnosisforher.com] 📞 888-311-5220 🌐 www.gnosisforher.com [http://www.gnosisforher.com] Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X: @gnosisforher YouTube: @gnosisforher LinkedIn: company/gnosisforher Pinterest: @gnosisforher RESOURCES * https://www.koninghealth.com/pdfs/Koning_%20Brochure_full.pdf [https://www.koninghealth.com/pdfs/Koning_%20Brochure_full.pdf] * https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf13/P130025b.pdf [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf13/P130025b.pdf] * https://www.koninghealth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258&Itemid=692 [https://www.koninghealth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258&Itemid=692] * https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00330-018-5376-4 [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00330-018-5376-4] * https://www.ejradiology.com/article/S0720-048X(15)30172-8/abstract [https://www.ejradiology.com/article/S0720-048X(15)30172-8/abstract] * https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20651210/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20651210/] * https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28217404/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28217404/] ----------------------------------------

Ep. 113: Breast Cancer at 35: Signs, Symptoms & Early Detection | Sabrina Skiles’ Survivor Story

What happens when breast cancer isn’t even on your radar? In this powerful episode, Jamie sits down with survivor and advocate Sabrina Skiles [https://www.instagram.com/sabrinaskiles/], who was diagnosed at just 35 with no family history. From finding a lump on her own to navigating surgery, chemo, and radiation, Sabrina shares what she wishes she had known, and why early detection is everything. Now a leader with Know Your Lemons [https://knowyourlemons.org/], she’s helping educate people around the world on how to recognize the signs and truly know their bodies. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Breast cancer can happen young and without family history * Most people don’t actually know how to do a proper self-exam * Early detection = better outcomes * You’re not looking for cancer—you’re learning what’s normal * Simple, accessible education can save lives ---------------------------------------- 🍋 WHY THIS MATTERS Through Know Your Lemons, Sabrina is part of a global movement making breast health education easy, visual, and relatable, reaching communities in dozens of countries and languages. ---------------------------------------- 💛 TAKE ACTION * Learn the 12 signs of breast cancer * Start doing regular self-checks * Advocate for yourself at the doctor * Share this episode with someone you love ---------------------------------------- 💬 FINAL THOUGHT If it’s not on your radar, it should be. Find it early. Change the outcome.