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In this episode of Sober Sparkle I sit down with award-winning patient advocate and podcast host Luan Lawrenson Wood. After her diagnosis with invasive lobular breast cancer, Luan discovered just how overwhelming the health system can feel - the jargon, the choices, the pressure - and turned that experience into a mission to help women advocate for themselves with calm, clarity and confidence.

We talk about why self-advocacy matters, what informed consent really means in practice, and how to prepare for appointments so I’m not walking out thinking, “I wish I’d asked that.” Luan shares her practical Six Steps of Self-Advocacy (her “SAS”) and shows how small changes - a written question list, a supportive “wing person”, and better filters for online information - can transform decision-making and reduce regret.

Luan also explains her shift from private patient to public advocate, why community and lived experience are so powerful, and how respectful, values-led communication can sit comfortably alongside medical expertise. This conversation is a reminder that my healthcare is about me, and my voice belongs in the room.

Key takeaways and actions

• I have the right to ask questions and participate fully in my care. That isn’t being difficult - it’s being informed.
• Preparation helps under pressure. I’ll write my questions, bring a support person to take notes, and ask for plain-English explanations.
• I’ll “cut the CRAP” when I’m online: watch for conspiracy, requests for money, anecdotes in place of evidence, and check who published it.
• Self-advocacy can be respectful and values-based. If something doesn’t sit right, I’ll seek clarification or a second opinion.
• After appointments, I’ll check in with myself: did I feel heard, do I understand my options, and what do I need next?