Communicating Genetic Risk with Confidence Across Family, Healthcare, and Relationships with Marleah Dean Kruzel, Ph.D.

In this episode of The Positive Gene Podcast, host Sara Kavanaugh sits down with Dr. Marleah Dean-Kruzel, a health communication expert, TEDx speaker, and BRCA2 previvor. Dr. Dean-Kruzel is not only a renowned professor of health communication but also a powerful advocate featured in the CDC's Bring Your Brave Breast Cancer Campaign.

Together, they discuss the art and science of effective communication—a vital skill for anyone navigating hereditary cancer risk. From advocating for yourself in a medical setting to navigating delicate conversations with family and partners, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and heartfelt insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Healthcare Communication: How to advocate confidently for your health during medical appointments and build collaborative relationships with your healthcare team.
• Family Conversations: Strategies for sharing genetic risk information with family members, managing emotional reactions, and finding supportive allies in your circle.
• Romantic Partnerships: Tips for discussing genetic risk with partners, from early relationship disclosures to family planning conversations.
• Practical Tools: Techniques like the Ask Me 3 model, agenda-setting strategies, and perspective-taking communication.

Dr. Dean-Kruzel also shares her personal journey with hereditary cancer risk, offering encouragement and wisdom rooted in both research and lived experience.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Marleah Dean-Kruzel’s Website - www.marleahdeankruzel.com
• Dr. Marleah Dean-Kruzel’s LinkedIn Profile- https://www.linkedin.com/in/marleah-dean-kruzel-phd-10850651/
• Dr. Marleah Dean-Kruzel’s TEDx Talk: How to Make Decisions Based on Uncertain Information - https://youtu.be/6RVpgP_0XTs?si=QBLAJnfCcHELvvAN
• FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) - www.facingourrisk.org
• Imerman Angels - https://imermanangels.org/
• CDC's Bring Your Brave Campaign Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbDIUIXPsqM

• Health Literacy Workshop - Digital Health Information: Media Coverage and its Impact on Patients; University of Illinois Cancer Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6SqgD98mEM&t=24s

• ICARE Presentation: Communicating about Inherited Cancer Risk, Uncertainty, and Decision Making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVWa3RAToUc

• Selected Research Papers & Infographics can be found on the podcast episode transcript: www.sarakavanaugh.com/podcast

Tune in for an episode filled with practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and essential tools to navigate one of life’s most vulnerable journeys.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your health.