Navy veteran, breast cancer survivor, photographer, and author Brenda M. Lee joins Veteran Cancer Talk to share her powerful story of military service, toxic exposure, breast cancer diagnosis at age 30, and long-term survivorship.

Brenda served aboard Navy ships where she was regularly exposed to jet fuel, asbestos, and hazardous environments — conditions many veterans now believe contribute to higher cancer risk. She opens up about receiving her cancer diagnosis through a phone call while sitting in a Target parking lot, navigating nearly a year of chemotherapy and radiation, and the psychological impact that followed.

In this conversation, Brenda discusses:
• Breast cancer in young women
• Cancer risk among women veterans
• Military environmental exposures and cancer
• The mental health effects of cancer treatment
• The importance of early detection and self-advocacy
• Why survivorship does not always mean “being okay”

Now more than eighteen years cancer-free, Brenda shares her experience with honesty, humor, and compassion through her book It’s Not You, It’s Cancer: A Slightly Inappropriate Guide to Breast Cancer Survival. Her book offers real-world guidance for patients, survivors, caregivers, and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer.

This episode highlights the invisible battles veterans face, the critical role of caregivers, and why connecting with others who understand the cancer journey can be lifesaving.

Connect with Brenda

Website:
https://brendamlee.wordpress.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Brenda.Marion.Lee

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

Order It’s Not You, It’s Cancer

Amazon / Kindle (Print & eBook):
https://amzn.to/4nBnXve

Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/its-not-you-its-cancer/id6754893131

Barnes & Noble (Print & eBook):
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-not-you-its-cancer-brenda-m-lee/1148680446?ean=2940182894982

Support the show

Veteran Cancer Network is building the resource we wish we had. Connecting veterans and caregivers navigating cancer.
Learn more at www.veterancancernetwork.org