What Dr. Ina Patel Wants You to Know About Breast Cancer in Young Women | EP 72

2025-08-19

How do you hold space for both science and soul in the world of oncology? In this heartfelt and informative episode, Kenny Perkins welcomes Dr. Ina Patel—breast cancer specialist, assistant professor, and mom—who brings both medical insight and deep compassion to her work. Dr. Patel opens up about the emotional highs and lows of treating patients, especially young women facing aggressive breast cancer diagnoses. She shares how her own journey from immigrant child to pioneering physician shaped her purpose—and why creating a safe, human space for her patients is just as critical as the treatment plan. If you or someone you love has been touched by cancer, this episode is filled with wisdom, advocacy, and remin...

Dr. Patel opens up about the emotional highs and lows of treating patients, especially young women facing aggressive breast cancer diagnoses. She shares how her own journey from immigrant child to pioneering physician shaped her purpose—and why creating a safe, human space for her patients is just as critical as the treatment plan.

If you or someone you love has been touched by cancer, this episode is filled with wisdom, advocacy, and reminders that medicine, at its best, is deeply human.

Key topics discussed:

Treating young women with breast cancer and the unique emotional layers involved
Why patient vulnerability is a privilege and how she holds space for it
Her personal journey from immigrant to physician
The rise of aggressive breast cancers in younger women
The power of early detection and self-advocacy
Barriers in diagnosis: when doctors dismiss breast lumps in young patients
Genetic testing, mammograms, and how to bridge the gap in access
A day in the life of an oncologist and working mom
Creating a safe and empowering clinical environment
How we can better educate both patients and providers