12: A Sanctuary for Healing: How Dr. Ryland Gore Reimagines Breast Cancer Care for Black Women

In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen welcomes Dr. Ryland Gore, a surgical oncologist who shares her powerful journey from working in a traditional practice to founding the Dream Breast Care Center in Atlanta—a sanctuary designed to provide compassionate, patient-centered, and culturally attuned care, particularly for Black women facing breast cancer. Dr. Gore opens up about having the inspiration from her late father, the urgent disparities in breast health for women of color, and why creating a space that feels sacred has always been essential to her mission. She discusses the alarming rise in breast cancer diagnoses among young Black women, misconceptions that persist in communities, as well as the reasons why early detection and self-advocacy are critical. Gain insights into how Dr. Gore blends medical expertise with empathy and how she is working “to reimagine survivorship” as a space of protection, peace, and empowerment. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  [0:49] Vision for Dream Breast Care Center and its inspiration [3:41] Youngest breast cancer patient: Diagnosed at age 19 [4:53] Trust your gut; don’t stop seeking answers [5:53] A “luxury haven” where patients feel peace in crisis [7:42] Every patient exits with knowledge of their options and next steps [9:04] Lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, and the importance of reconstruction [10:47] Systemic disparities in breast cancer care for women of color! [12:35] Why mammograms should start at 35 for Black women [14:54] Social media as a powerful tool to use  [16:51] Debunking myths: deodorant, bras, and “cutting makes it spread” QUOTES  “I want to take care of people the right way. I want them to feel special. I want people, especially people that look like me, to feel seen.” – Dr. Ryland Gore “Keep going. It's okay to get a second and a third opinion. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to continue to keep pushing until you get the answers that you need.” – Dr. Ryland Gore “Surgery. I try to make it a team sport. I let patients know, especially if they're a candidate for either, that or this is not a decision you have to make today. Call me in a couple of days if you need to think about it, because some people do want to discuss with their families. And, I also let them know that what you decide today, you may change your mind a year from now. So…there are options.” – Dr. Ryland Gore “We continue to open the door so that they feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help, and when they seek help, we don't turn them away. If it's nothing, then it's nothing, but it's our job to rule that out.” – Dr. Ryland Gore “Don't be afraid to advocate for yourselves. Don't be afraid to speak up. And if you need a second or third opinion, do that, but make sure you're comfortable with your care and make sure you feel safe with your healthcare team.” – Dr. Ryland Gore RESOURCES Dr. Ryland Gore Website - rylandgoremd.com Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast