Wellness Habits That Empower Women Beyond The Breast Cancer Treatment

Wellness Habits That Empower Women Beyond The Breast Cancer Treatment Room

Empowering Women’s Health: The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Dense Breast Tissue Awareness

In a recent episode of Clear Voices of Hope, host Lisa Malia sat down with health and wellness coach Tess Cheng for a candid, eye-opening discussion about dense breast tissue, self-advocacy, and the daily habits that shape our health journey. Their chat is a poignant reminder of the collective strength found in women's stories and the pressing need for reliable information in navigating modern health challenges.

Dense Breast Tissue: The Hidden Risk

Tess’s story is both familiar and quietly urgent. Like many women, she diligently attended her annual mammograms, believing that this would be enough for early detection. But a letter in her results changed everything: while her mammogram was “normal,” it noted she had dense breast tissue—a factor that complicates screening and increases breast cancer risk. “I didn’t know anything about dense breast tissues,” Tess admits, echoing the sentiment of countless women who rely on their doctors to flag important risks.

Unfortunately, this informational gap is all too common. Tess’s care team initially didn’t advise her on the additional risks or recommend further screening. Undeterred, Tess took ownership of her health—researching, advocating, and even paying out of pocket for an ultrasound. Her relentless pursuit of answers ultimately led to more effective screening and peace of mind.

Why Dense Breast Tissue Matters

Dense breast tissue is common and totally natural, but it’s a topic shrouded in mystery and, sometimes, silence. Lisa and Tess discuss how routine mammograms can miss abnormalities in dense tissue, underscoring the importance of supplemental screening like breast ultrasounds. For Tess, annual mammograms are now always paired with ultrasounds—sometimes done privately when insurance won’t cover the cost.

Their conversation highlights what’s often missing in the healthcare experience: clear communication and tailored care. As Lisa points out, a comprehensive, individualized plan—developed with a supportive provider—is crucial. “Ideally, you have a gynecologist that you can work with…,” she stresses. And Tess agrees: finding an understanding doctor was a game-changer.

Building Healthy Habits Beyond the Exam Room

The episode isn’t just about screening—it’s also about the everyday choices that empower us. Tess, who transitioned from nutritionist to holistic wellness coach, speaks passionately about prevention as an ongoing process. Movement, nutrition, and especially quality sleep are her non-negotiables. “Prevention very often is the key, because a lot of diseases, once they’re developed, it takes a much bigger effort to reverse them.”

Her approach? Intentionality. Whether it’s walking, strength training, or simply carrying a healthy snack, Tess reminds us that small habits compound over time. Eating early, allowing time for digestion before sleep, and making sleep “sacred” are practical shifts backed by science—and, importantly, self-compassion.

Key Takeaways for Every Woman

What does Tess want listeners to remember? Be proactive. Educate yourself. If your provider isn’t supportive, seek a second opinion. And most importantly, surround yourself with community—friends who ask, “Have you booked your screening?” and practitioners who listen.

Clear Voices of Hope succeeds because it doesn’t just share advice—it amplifies real women’s voices. Both Lisa and Tess are living proof that advocacy starts with listening, learning, and taking incremental steps. Whether you’re navigating your own health, supporting a loved one, or simply passionate about women’s health equity, the message is clear: You’re not alone, and your story matters.

*For resources, community discussions, and more episodes like this, visit The Clear Pathways page and join the conversation or join our team. Together, let’s keep shining a light on the path to early detection, better care, and hope for every woman.*

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Tess Cheng, a certified health and wellness coach with over 13 years of experience, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting success through sustainable wellness practices. Having navigated her own journey with hypoglycemia and a family history of diabetes, Tess advocates for holistic lifestyle changes that foster both personal and professional growth.

With a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, Tess combines practical strategies focused on mindset, self-care, disease prevention, and longevity. She believes that prioritizing wellness not only enhances daily health but also lays the foundation for long-term vitality and success in all areas of life.

https://glowithtess.com/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/tess-cheng-ms

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowithtess/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glowithtess