The Truth About Mammograms, Hormones and Dense Breasts
Dr. Elizabeth Comen
Dr. Elizabeth Comen is on The Tamsen Show to break down what every woman needs to know about breast cancer.She’s one of the country’s top breast oncologists, a Harvard-trained physician, and the author of All in Her Head. In this episode, she clears up the confusion around screenings, genetic risk, dense breasts, and the real link between alcohol and breast cancer.
She also shares why a breast cancer diagnosis today is not what it used to be, and why early detection is powerful, but only if you know what to ask for.
Tamsen opens up about losing her mom to breast cancer, and how that experience has shaped the way she approaches her own health.
You’ll learn:
- When to start mammograms and how to navigate conflicting advice
- What dense breasts mean and what kind of screening you may need
- The difference between local and systemic disease
- What metastatic breast cancer actually is
- The truth about bras, deodorant, sugar, and risk
- How to do a proper self-exam and why it matters
- Why advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office could save your life
This conversation is honest, practical, and packed with information that could change everything.
03:19 - Dr. Comen’s experience as a patient and a doctor
07:30 - The history of how women’s health was perceived
12:40 - The fear of breast cancer
15:05 - When should you start screening for breast cancer?
20:00 - How to address family history of breast cancer
25:27 - The emotional and physical elements of breast cancer and screening
26:19 - Breast symptoms during perimenopause and menopause
27:00 - Dense breasts and breast cancer
32:01- Estrogen, HRT, and breast cancer
40:45 - Myths about cancer
44:00 - How to do a self breast check
45:44 - Racial disparity in medicine
47:48 - The importance of women’s health
48:55 - Anxiety during breast cancer treatments
50:03 - Dr. Comen’s advice to her younger self
51:44 - Best advice from another woman
And if you want more resources, check out the complete podcast episode page https://www.tamsenfadal.com/the-tamse...
You can find Dr. Elizabeth Comen here: Website: www.drelizabethcomen.com
Book: https://www.drelizabethcomen.com/book
Instagram: / drelizabethcomen
Follow The Tamsen Show:
Watch full video episodes on YouTube
Connect with Tamsen Fadal:
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
Join Tamsen’s community!
Subscribe to Tamsen’s YouTube
Follow Tamsen on Instagram
Pre-order Tamsen’s book – How to Menopause
🎧 Listen to The Tamsen Show podcast everywhere you get your podcasts!
I’m an Emmy Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, author, speaker, certified integrative nutrition coach, and passionate menopause advocate.
New Episodes Drop Every Wednesday!
Every episode of The Tamsen Show is here to help you navigate every stage of life with confidence. From career pivots to menopause, relationships to reinvention, Tamsen tackles the conversations women actually need, with real talk from experts, wellness advice and no filters.
join tamsen's community
Receive her best midlife tips, inspiration, and news straight to your inbox every week.