Breast Cancer Beyond Genetics: Better Outcomes | Dr. Kristi Funk

An abnormal mammogram. No ride to the next appointment. No one to watch the kids. And a paycheck that won't stretch far enough to cover both groceries and medical care. Breast cancer surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk explains how those everyday challenges can become barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment—and why helping women overcome them can change lives. She joins Chuck Carroll to examine a troubling finding: Black women have a lower overall incidence of breast cancer than white women, yet a higher death rate. Dr. Funk explains why differences in age, cancer subtype, and stage at diagnosis don't tell the whole story. The conversation also follows the connections between the food available in a neighborhood and the health of the people living there. What happens when nutritious food is difficult to find, but less healthy options are everywhere? And how do insulin resistance, inflammation, hormones, and gut bacteria fit into the breast cancer picture? You'll hear: Whether ultra-processed foods can cause breast cancer The difference between a food desert and a food swamp How insulin resistance can affect hormone signaling The gut microbiome's role in processing estrogen How patient navigators help women manage their breast cancer journey Overlooked symptoms that deserve attention after treatment Dr. Funk's experience working with Venus Williams At the heart of this conversation is a practical question: What can we change so more women get the food, care, and support they need? 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://pcrm.org/SupportExamRoom 💪 Let's Beat Breast Cancer 👉 https://letsbeatbreastcancer.org 📕 Breasts: The Owners Manual by Dr. Funk 👉 https://link.amazon/B0edhJ8lr ▶️ Venus Williams and Dr. Funk Ad 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4djQ0OATg   Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! Exam Roomie of the Week - Guillermo Irizarry This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.