Diagnosed at 28: Breast Cancer & Its Impact on Women | Science Will Win Video Series | Ep 3

For Season 6 of Science Will Win, we’re doing something new. Alongside the weekly audio episodes, we’re also sharing full-length conversations between host Dr. Raven Baxter – a molecular biologist and science educator – and one of her guests, giving you more of the story, more context, and more opportunities to connect beyond the audio episode. This season explores how our understanding of cancer is evolving and how the science community is working together to meet today’s latest challenges. In this video episode, Raven sits down with Katrina M. Johnson, a three-time breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, and longtime Pfizer employee. Katrina was first diagnosed with breast cancer at just 28 years old after finding a lump that doctors initially believed was “probably nothing.” She went on to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy – only to face two additional breast cancer diagnoses years later. Katrina opens up about the ways a breast cancer diagnosis impacts women, including genetic testing, mental health, sexuality after cancer, and the importance of finding a doctor you trust. She also discusses what young women need to know about rising cancer rates and how to listen to their bodies when something doesn’t feel right. Sometimes the most important step to healing is the courage to go back, ask again, and insist on being heard. Katrina’s story is a testament to what can happen when you truly know and choose yourself. Want to learn more? Listen to the Science Will Win audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.podtrac.com/uw9bguet. Season 6 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Dr. Raven Baxter. It’s produced by Acast Creative Studios. Hosts in this podcast series were compensated for their time. 00:00 Breast Cancer Self-Advocacy: “It’s Still There” 00:48 Episode Intro 02:51 Interview Begins: Meet Katrina 06:33 Finding a Lump 09:46 Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 28 11:17 Dense Breast Tissue & Pushing for a Biopsy 14:08 Second Opinions in Breast Cancer Care 17:36 Recurrent Breast Cancer: Second & Third Diagnoses 21:31 Why Cancer Can Return After Mastectomy 23:29 Treatment Decisions: Chemo or No Chemo? 26:35 BRCA1 Gene Mutation Explained 29:58 Double Mastectomy, Body Image & Identity 32:38 Sexual Health After Breast Cancer 36:10 Mental Health After Cancer Diagnosis 41:26 Self-Care, Exercise & Cancer Recovery 46:10 Patient Advocacy & Peer Support in Breast Cancer 49:32 Rising Cancer Rates in Young Women 53:06 Choose Yourself: Katrina’s Message to Young Women *Cancer symptoms vary. Speak with your doctor if you suspect you are experiencing cancer symptoms. Cancer treatment claims are highly individualized and developed in consultation with a healthcare provider.