Links between breast cancer and pregnancy can be hard to discuss. Maybe that’s why many of us don’t learn about them in high school health classes or hear about them on the evening news. For Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Associate Professor Camila dos Santos, that’s precisely why it’s a conversation that needs to be had.
On October 27, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CSHL hosted an event at Grace Auditorium along with Pink Aid. Dos Santos kicked off the event with a presentation on her research. She delved into the established links between pregnancy and cancer risk. Dos Santos also spoke about a fascinating study on the potential effects of urinary tract infections on breast health. The talk opened up a lively panel discussion covering a range of women’s health issues.
Here, dos Santos was joined by several clinical professionals. The panel included certified OB/GYN Adrienne Mandelberger, Northwell Health Director of Cancer, Pregnancy & Reproduction Ruby Sharma, and Lizelle Comfort, a clinical fellow at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Importantly, the conversation wasn’t just between scientists and clinicians. An audience of breast cancer survivors and other members of the public drove the discussion. They offered up difficult but important questions that many women may have considered over the years. This event finally provided a public forum for those questions to be asked and answered honestly. Press play to join the conversation.