Episode #18: What If You Could Know Your Breast Cancer Risk at 25?
Most of us don’t think about breast cancer until we have to. But Dr. Funmi Olopade, a pioneering oncologist at the University of Chicago, wants to change that — and she’s spent 30 years building the tools to make it possible.
In the latest episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Olopade sits down with host Hali Hartmann to talk about a field she calls “preventive oncology” — the idea that we should be identifying cancer risk long before any symptoms appear. With advances in AI, whole genome sequencing, and blood-based biomarkers, she believes that’s no longer a distant dream.
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation? Dr. Olopade’s take on disparity. As a Black woman herself, she pushes back hard on the idea that Black women die from breast cancer at higher rates because of race. The real culprit, she argues, is access to clinical trials, to cutting-edge treatments, to care that meets patients where they live. She shares stories of Stage 4 patients who beat the odds simply because they were able to reach the right doctor at the right time. And she’s determined to make sure that it shouldn’t require crossing a bridge to Chicago.
Dr. Olopade closes with a bold vision: breast cancer eradicated as a cause of premature death within a decade. It sounds ambitious — but after listening to her, you might just believe it.
About Dr. Funmi Olopade
Dr. Olopade is a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and a global leader in breast cancer genomics and health equity. Her research has transformed risk assessment and precision treatment for aggressive breast cancers, especially in underserved populations.
In 2024, Dr. Olopade participated in the NFCR Global Summit, lending her expertise to the Future of Cancer Research Panel. You can watch this panel now on NFCR’s YouTube Channel ↗
About All Things Cancer
Each episode of All Things Cancer will spotlight the most pressing topics in oncology, from cutting-edge treatments and emerging research to personal stories of resilience and hope. More than just a podcast, it’s a platform for raising awareness, advancing cancer education, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration.
Hosted by NFCR CEO, Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., this compelling series will bring together the entire ecosystem of cancer research—including leading scientists, oncologists, doctors, patient advocates, caregivers, biotech innovators, and survivors—for powerful discussions on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer research, treatment, and care.
All Things Cancer is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes released biweekly.
Subscribe now to stay up to date on the latest episodes and join the conversation that’s shaping the future of cancer research. Cancer impacts everyone—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or researcher, this podcast delivers invaluable insights from those on the frontlines of the fight against it.
