Maria Boyce joins Dorothy to discuss her breast cancer journey and the impact of social determinants on health, the non-medical factors that play an important role in a person’s health and wellness, such as where people live, work, and receive their education. She emphasizes early detection and the value of support from family and doctors. Maria also shares her treatment success and genetic testing results.

Her experience battling cancer has strengthened her advocacy for access to life-saving breast cancer screenings and care for all women.

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Key Questions Answered

1.) Why is addressing social determinants of health important in cancer treatment?

2.) How did early detection play a role in Dorothy's cancer journey?

3.) What factors did Maria credit for helping her battle cancer?

4.) How did Maria's belief in her doctor influence her treatment decisions?

5.) What lessons did Maria learn from her mother's battle with multiple sclerosis?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Support from friends crucial during cancer battle

05:30 Initial meeting about breast cancer diagnosis, empathy.

07:13 Mother had hormone-based breast cancer, serious diagnosis.

10:35 Overcame personal struggle, now advocating for others.

16:28 Ensuring access to mammograms, access versus treatment.

18:51 Addressing social determinants of health is essential.

23:43 Support and transportation are crucial for treatment.

28:23 Doctor emphasized urgency of treatment for small tumor.

29:48 Initial chemotherapy showed tumor shrinkage, but concerns remained.

32:32 Finding out I didn't carry BRCA gene.