Ultrasound: A Global Concept for Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Disclaimer:
This publication is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While ultrasound and other imaging technologies are widely recognized for their clinical utility, the use, approval, and regulation of any medical device or diagnostic procedure remain under the jurisdiction of each individual nation’s health authorities and regulatory agencies. Accordingly, references to ultrasound and its functions or any other imaging modality in this document should be understood as general scientific discussion only. Implementation, adoption, or clinical application must conform to the laws, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards established within each country. Nothing herein should be construed as a substitute for medical advice, national health policy, or regulatory approval processes.

Featuring insights from Dr. Robert L. Bard  |   By HealthTech Reporter – International Edition 

Introduction: A Pioneer in Ultrasound Innovation

In a recent meeting held by the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), cancer advocates  in Uganda convened to discuss the need for scalable solutions for early cancer detection. At this session, Dr. Lennard Goetze—representing the diagnostic initiatives of Dr. Robert Bard—announced the 2025 awareness mission of the newly formed International Institute for Rare Cancers.

 

Dr. Bard is internationally recognized as one of the foremost innovators in diagnostic ultrasound imaging. With over four decades of clinical experience, he pioneered the use of high-resolution sonography (in the United States and a list of other countries) in detecting cancers of the breast, thyroid, prostate, and skin. As the Senior Advisory Chair of Cancer Diagnostics at the MBCGA, his appointment extends beyond innovation—toward global impact.

 

This initiative will prioritize the global education and potential implementation of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) as a potential screening tool global regions who need alternative screening options. Dr. Goetze emphasized the Institute’s commitment to education and international collaboration to bridge the cancer diagnosis gap— especially for male cancers that are often overlooked in low-resource settings. The coalition’s support further anchors POCUS as a potential solution for early cancer screening worldwide.

 

From the U.S., sharing this information with underserved regions, Dr. Bard hopes to explore the possibilities of recognizing the access and use of portable ultrasound technology. His clinical and technical advocacy work affirms that today’s ultrasound can be a supplemental tool as an affordable solution that can screen, detect and monitor tumors, including male breast cancer.

  

Historical Applications

Ultrasound has long been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a supplemental modality for breast cancer detection (2005, 2008), particularly in patients with dense breast tissue. Over the years, imaging specialists worldwide have incorporated Doppler ultrasound to assess tumor blood flow and elastography to evaluate tissue hardness—both critical in distinguishing between benign scars and malignant tumors. Dr. Bard explains: “Cancer and fibrosis both appear dark under ultrasound. What differentiates them is blood flow—scars don’t have it, but tumors do. Using Doppler, we can detect tumor vessels. If there are none, we monitor; if there are vessels, we biopsy.”

 

This distinction has helped thousands of clinicians deliver faster, non-invasive diagnoses. With point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)—a compact, portable version of hospital-grade machines—this technology has become even more powerful and accessible, extending life-saving diagnostics into the field, homes, and remote clinics.

 

UNDERSTANDING POCUS:

A Global Game-Changer

Fifteen years ago, Dr. Bard collaborated with Canadian and European manufacturers to help develop portable ultrasound units. Today’s POCUS devices offer high-resolution imaging, comparable in clarity to conventional machines found in top-tier hospitals. Designed for mobility, affordability, and ease of use, these tools are revolutionizing cancer screening in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.  “Male breast cancer is usually close to the skin, just beneath the nipple. With a high-resolution probe, we can see it as a dark mass on a white background. Then we turn on the Doppler to look for tumor vessels. It’s quick and definitive,” Dr. Bard adds.

 

POCUS enables real-time visualization of tumors, guiding biopsy decisions and validating treatment effectiveness. It also supports clinical staging by evaluating cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes—in the axilla, chest wall, or liver—all without the need for expensive MRI or CT scans.

 

ELASTOGRAPHY:

Quantifying Cancer with Precision

Elastography, a newer addition to ultrasound technology, measures tissue stiffness in kilopascals. According to Dr. Bard, cancerous tissue is typically hard and gritty, a biological response called desmoplasia. Elastography provides quantifiable data to differentiate light scarring from aggressive tumors—enhancing accuracy in diagnostics. “Globally, elastography is used for thyroid, breast, testicular, and even prostate cancer. It’s a powerful advancement,” Dr. Bard explains. “We’re no longer guessing—we’re measuring.” This innovation reinforces ultrasound’s role in the full diagnostic spectrum—from screening to treatment monitoring.

 

Screening, Monitoring, and Guiding Treatment in Real Time

In countries with limited access to early detection screening, portable ultrasound presents a unique opportunity for possible detection and tracking of disease without radiation, heavy equipment, or long travel distances. In addition to detecting tumors, ultrasound is known to excel in evaluating skin involvement, which mammograms may miss. “In inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, there’s blood flow, but not tumor vessels. In lymphoma or skin cancers, we see tumor vessels. Ultrasound helps monitor both,” says Dr. Bard.  “If treatment works, we watch the tumor vessels reduce from five… to four… to zero. If not, we see the vessels increase, and know we must change the therapy.”

 

This ability to visually validate therapeutic response has made ultrasound an invaluable tool in both oncology and chronic disease management, including autoimmune disorders.

 

 

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PART 2: MAKING THE CASE FOR WORLDWIDE CHANGE

 

Why Ultrasound is the Global Solution for Cancer Screening

In the global fight against cancer, one of the most persistent and deadly barriers remains the lack of access to diagnostic tools in underserved and low-resource regions. While advanced imaging modalities like MRI, CT, and mammography have revolutionized cancer care in high-income countries, their cost, infrastructure demands, and technical complexity have made them largely inaccessible to much of the developing world. In contrast, ultrasound—particularly portable point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)—offers a timely, affordable, and transformative alternative.

 

 

1. Affordability and Cost-Efficiency

·   No radiation, dyes, or extensive facility requirements.

·   Extremely low per-patient screening cost.

 

2. Training and Implementation

·   Community health workers and nurses can be trained in 1–3 weeks.

·   Supported by AI and remote image review platforms.

·   Already scalable in low-resource settings.

3. Versatility Across Cancer Types

Ultrasound detects more than breast cancer. It’s also used for:

·   Thyroid, prostate, testicular, and liver cancers.

·   Lymphoma and skin malignancies.

·   Inflammatory and autoimmune disease monitoring.

4. Quantitative Monitoring

·   Doppler detects vascular activity in tumors.

·   Elastography quantifies tumor hardness (kPa scale).

·   Repeat scans track treatment response without radiation.

5. A Call to Action

Governments, NGOs, and manufacturers must now consider:

·   Investing in national research and deployment strategies.

·   Launch training hubs and equipment funding.

·   Promoting ultrasound as the early detection screening solution.

 Conclusion: Ultrasound is the Future of Equitable Cancer Care

"The world does not need to wait for the next innovation to solve the cancer screening crisis in underserved populations. The technology already exists. Ultrasound is accessible, portable, clinically validated, and scalable. Backed by decades of clinical research and endorsed by leading radiologists like Dr. Robert Bard, it offers real answers for real-world needs.  With a united effort between governments, clinicians, manufacturers, and global health advocates, ultrasound can—and should—become the universal language of cancer screening".

Disclaimer:
This publication is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While ultrasound and other imaging technologies are widely recognized for their clinical utility, the use, approval, and regulation of any medical device or diagnostic procedure remain under the jurisdiction of each individual nation’s health authorities and regulatory agencies. Accordingly, references to ultrasound and its functions or any other imaging modality in this document should be understood as general scientific discussion only. Implementation, adoption, or clinical application must conform to the laws, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards established within each country. Nothing herein should be construed as a substitute for medical advice, national health policy, or regulatory approval processes.

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A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE

By: Leslie Valle-Montoya, MD

The initiative led by Dr. Bard and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance underscores a critical need in global health — scalable, cost-effective, and accessible cancer diagnostics. Ultrasound plays a uniquely vital role in this mission. Unlike many other imaging modalities, it is:

    * Non-invasive and radiation-free, making it safe for repeated screenings.

    * Portable and affordable, essential for deployment in resource-limited regions.

    * Versatile and high-resolution, capable of detecting cancers in the breast, thyroid, prostate, skin, and beyond — often at earlier stages when interventions can be most effective.

When combined with education and training, ultrasound can empower frontline clinicians and cancer ambassadors worldwide to deliver early detection, bridging the gap where advanced imaging technology is scarce. The work of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance is therefore more than innovation — it represents a global collaborative movement to standardize and expand access to life-saving diagnostics. By aligning diagnostic pioneers with international advocacy, this alliance demonstrates how medical innovation can be transformed into global impact. I view this as a model for the future of cancer care, where technology, training, and collaboration converge to make early detection a universal reality.

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A GLOBAL MOVEMENT FOR ACCESSIBILITY 

By: Dr. Angela Mazza

I could not agree more!  Ultrasound has truly changed the game in cancer care—evolving from a supplemental tool to a frontline solution that’s affordable, portable, and precise. As Dr. Bard has paved the way and shown, with innovations like Doppler, elastography, and point-of-care devices, clinicians can now quickly distinguish tumors from scars, monitor treatment in real time, and bring high-quality diagnostics into communities that may not have access to MRI or CT scans. It’s proof that sometimes the most powerful solutions are the ones that combine simplicity with impact.  I’m proud to be part of this global movement, helping to make cancer care more accessible and equitable. Knowing that this technology is saving lives not only in advanced hospitals but also in rural clinics and underserved regions is deeply rewarding—and reinforces why I believe ultrasound should be at the heart of worldwide cancer screening efforts.

This feature story is brought to you by: 

Dr. Ben Ho Park: Shaping the Future of Cancer Research Through Circulating Tumor DNA

Dr. Ben Ho Park, Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, stands at the forefront of translational oncology research. Known for his clarity, candor, and deep commitment to advancing cancer care, Dr. Park will bring his expertise to the 2025 Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance Medical Summit in October, where he will present on the groundbreaking role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in early-stage breast cancers, including male breast cancer.

This presentation, titled “Circulating Tumor DNA in Early Stages of Breast Cancer: Breast Friends Don’t Keep Secrets”, reflects a career dedicated to answering one of oncology’s most pressing questions: how can we tell who is truly cured and who remains at risk after treatment?

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Research Updates from Vanderbilt

Despite funding challenges and staff reductions in academic medicine, Dr. Park emphasizes that his team remains “mission-driven” in advancing cures. He discussed his long-running study launched in 2015, which recently produced pivotal data presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.

Highlights include:

·        Focus on triple-negative breast cancer (one of the most aggressive subtypes), along with HER2-positive and estrogen receptor-positive cohorts.

·        Integration of evolving therapies: While the study began with three chemotherapy drugs, current standards include four chemotherapies plus immunotherapy—an advance that improves survival but increases toxicities.

·        Precision monitoring: By tracking ctDNA at each treatment phase, researchers can identify patients cured early and spare them from excess toxic therapies, while continuing aggressive treatment for those still harboring microscopic disease.

“Our ability now to de-escalate therapies based upon knowing who really has microscopic cancer cells left—and who doesn’t—is going to be game-changing.”  This approach also paves the way for adaptive trials, where treatment can be switched mid-course if ctDNA signals that a regimen is failing, allowing each patient to become their own “experiment of one.”

Clinical Application and Caution

While ctDNA tests are already commercially available, Dr. Park stresses the importance of measured adoption.  “One has to be very cautious about ordering these tests, informing patients, and making sure providers understand their limitations. We must do more good, and no harm.”

This responsible framing will be central to his October presentation, ensuring clinicians and advocates understand both the promise and current boundaries of the science.

Personal Journey Into Male Breast Cancer Research

Dr. Park’s engagement with male breast cancer dates back nearly two decades. Initially, he encountered male breast cancer patients in second-opinion consults, and later became involved with early grassroots advocacy organizations led by Peggy Miller and Cheri Ambrose.

A pivotal collaboration came from a graduate student’s hypothesis: could loss of the Y chromosome act as a tumor suppressor mechanism leading to male breast cancer? Park’s laboratory pursued this idea, examining tissues and collaborating with VA hospitals and international partners.

Although some early findings were inconclusive—famously, one supposed male breast cancer tissue set from Brazil turned out largely to be female samples—the work contributed to a growing recognition that loss of the Y chromosome is a genuine tumor suppressor event in some cancers, validating the student’s instincts and underscoring the value of persistent inquiry. This pathway exemplifies Dr. Park’s approach: rigorous science driven by curiosity, combined with collaborative partnerships to advance rare cancer research.

Collaborations and Advocacy

Dr. Park continues to emphasize collaboration as key to progress. During his interview, he highlighted potential colleagues for the Alliance to connect with, including Dr. Ana Abramson, a highly visible clinical trialist with strong ties to media and political networks.

He also voiced support for international alliances and advocacy initiatives such as petitions to state legislatures to expand access to ultrasound imaging in male breast cancer—affirming his belief in aligning clinical expertise with grassroots advocacy.

“I would love to sign that. The more the merrier.”

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Dr. Park envisions a paradigm where ctDNA transforms cancer care at multiple levels:

·        For patients: Shorter, safer, and more personalized journeys through therapy.

·        For researchers: Faster, more efficient trials with meaningful surrogate endpoints.

·        For healthcare systems: Lower costs by avoiding unnecessary treatment while accelerating drug approvals.

Equally, he sees ctDNA as a living feedback tool that keeps providers responsive to each patient’s unique biology, preventing wasted time on ineffective regimens and seizing windows of curability.

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The October Presentation: ctDNA as a Game-Changer

Dr. Park describes circulating tumor DNA as fragments of cancer-derived genetic material shed into the bloodstream. Harnessing these fragments offers an unprecedented opportunity to determine whether cancer persists in the body after treatment.

“Wouldn’t it be great if someday you could draw a tube of blood and say, guess what—you’re cured? Or conversely, recognize that residual disease remains and intervene earlier? That’s going to be game-changing.”

His talk in October 24-25 will explore how ctDNA monitoring is reshaping clinical research and patient care:

·        For patients: A future where a simple blood test may confirm cure—or identify recurrence before it becomes visible on scans.

·        For clinical trials: By enrolling only those patients not yet cured, trials can become smaller, faster, and less expensive, with earlier answers about therapy effectiveness.

·        For treatment strategy: ctDNA could guide escalation (adding therapy when disease persists) or de-escalation (avoiding unnecessary toxic therapies for those already cured).

This vision represents a seismic shift from the traditional “wait and see” approach that often takes years to decades to confirm outcomes.

Conclusion

As the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance Summit gathers experts from around the world this October, Dr. Ben Ho Park’s session promises to be a cornerstone of the program. His work on circulating tumor DNA not only advances cutting-edge science but also reflects a profound commitment to precision, personalization, and responsibility in oncology.

From his early hypotheses about the Y chromosome to leading transformative clinical trials, Dr. Park exemplifies the integration of curiosity, rigor, and patient-centered vision. His message—balancing optimism with caution—offers hope for a future where blood tests replace uncertainty, where toxic therapies can be minimized, and where every patient, male or female, has the chance for a cure informed by their own molecular signature.

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AFTERMATH: A Diagnostic Perspective

By Robert L. Bard, MD – Sr. Advisory Chair, Cancer Diagnostics, MBCGA

Dr. Ben Park’s presentation on circulating tumor DNA marks a defining moment in our pursuit of precision oncology. His work underscores what many of us in diagnostic medicine have long recognized: cancer cannot be defeated by one modality alone. To cure more patients, we must align molecular intelligence with imaging intelligence—merging the power of genomics with the clarity of advanced visualization.

Liquid biopsy, as Dr. Park so aptly describes, provides an extraordinary lens into residual disease at the molecular level. Yet, it is through the integration with dynamic imaging that we achieve full context. A fragment of tumor DNA in the blood tells us there is disease; Doppler ultrasound, elastography, or MRI helps us pinpoint its presence, track its growth patterns, and, in many cases, predict its biological behavior. Together, these tools shift us from probability to precision.

The current state of cancer research is, in many respects, a renaissance. We are moving beyond blunt instruments of care toward adaptive, patient-specific strategies. Imaging has already evolved from static pictures to real-time physiologic mapping: blood flow quantification, tumor stiffness, immune infiltration signatures. When coupled with molecular assays like ctDNA, these technologies illuminate not only if disease persists, but how it is behaving and how best to intervene.

Dr. Park’s insights remind us of the urgency to shorten timelines. Patients cannot wait decades for statistical endpoints. With ctDNA guiding trial design, and imaging validating tissue response, we can accelerate discoveries, lower costs, and refine therapies before windows of curability close. The synergy between his field and mine is undeniable. Cancer research is entering a new era—one defined not by isolated technologies but by the intelligent convergence of biology and imaging science. That is how cures are made real.

“Cancer research today is not about isolated technologies but about convergence—where biology and imaging unite to deliver precision and possibility.” — Dr. Robert L. Bard

MBCGA Partners with Uganda Alliance of Patients Organizations

 Advancing Ultrasound Screening Solutions

The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) has long championed global advocacy, education, and innovation for men impacted by breast cancer and other rare cancers. In a landmark meeting with the Uganda Alliance of Patients Organizations (UAPO), MBCGA leadership engaged in dialogue with Ugandan health advocates Joshua Wamboga and John Amanya to discuss new strategies for cancer screening. The discussions centered on the promise of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) as a proven, affordable, and scalable solution for early cancer detection in underserved countries.

Representing the scientific leadership of Dr. Robert L. Bard, an internationally recognized cancer radiologist, Dr. Lennard Goetze outlined how advanced ultrasound—particularly portable, hand-held systems—can redefine cancer screening in environments where traditional imaging infrastructure is limited or absent.

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The Need for Global Collaboration

Uganda, like many countries across sub-Saharan Africa, faces critical barriers in cancer detection and treatment. Access to mammography is limited to major urban centers; costs are prohibitive, and rural populations often have no practical route to early diagnosis. For men, the challenges are amplified. Male breast cancer is rare, poorly understood, and frequently overlooked, resulting in late-stage diagnoses and high mortality rates.

Joshua Wamboga and John Amanya stressed that effective partnerships must go beyond awareness—they must deliver tools that work within local systems. Their advocacy emphasized the potential of leveraging ultrasound as a frontline solution: portable, safe, cost-conscious, and adaptable to primary care settings.

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Ultrasound as a Proven Screening Solution

Dr. Bard’s decades of clinical research affirm ultrasound’s unmatched potential in breast and cancer diagnostics. Unlike mammography, which requires radiation, costly machines, and specialized facilities, ultrasound is radiation-free, repeatable, and highly versatile. Hand-held systems can identify abnormal tissue structures, distinguish between scarring and tumors, and map blood vessel flow through Doppler imaging.

Modern ultrasound probes now deliver high-resolution imaging capable of detecting small tumors in breast tissue—even in men, where cancers often present superficially at the nipple. With POCUS, physicians can also evaluate lymph nodes, skin involvement, and cancer staging without the delays and expenses associated with conventional imaging.

Perhaps most importantly, POCUS devices such as Clarius and Butterfly iQ can be linked to smartphones and tablets, empowering clinicians to bring diagnostic imaging directly to patients in rural clinics, community health centers, or even mobile outreach programs.

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Dr. Bard’s Advocacy for POCUS in Underserved Nations

As detailed in his statements, Dr. Bard has long championed POCUS as the next wave in democratizing access to cancer detection. He emphasizes that modern portable ultrasound is no longer experimental:

“The portable devices I helped develop have already proven effective in finding cancers in skin and breast tissue, particularly in men where tumors are right beneath the skin surface. The resolution is now so high that clinicians can detect these tumors as dark areas against white tissue, and with Doppler flow, immediately determine whether biopsy and treatment are warranted.”

This quantifiable, reproducible evidence allows ultrasound not only to identify disease but also to monitor treatment responses. Tumor blood flow can be tracked over time, enabling clinicians to assess whether therapies are working and adjust accordingly. For countries like Uganda, where expensive diagnostic follow-up is not feasible, POCUS represents a sustainable model of screening, triage, and treatment monitoring.

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Cheri Ambrose and the Global Equity Mission

At the meeting, Cheri Ambrose, CEO of MBCGA, reaffirmed the Alliance’s mission to bridge educational and technological gaps across continents. She emphasized that cancer equity cannot be achieved until all patients—regardless of geography—have access to accurate, timely diagnostics.

“Breast cancer in men remains misunderstood and underdiagnosed,” she noted. “By working with Ugandan ambassadors and UAPO, we are not only sharing knowledge but also building solutions. With POCUS ultrasound, we have the means to offer communities a realistic, proven screening tool that matches the economic and medical realities of Africa.”

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Ugandan Voices: Local Leadership for Lasting Change

Wamboga and Amanya echoed this call, framing the introduction of ultrasound within Uganda as both a health and social imperative. They outlined the double challenge facing their communities: limited infrastructure for early cancer detection, and cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking care until late stages.

They stressed that portable ultrasound could help rewrite this narrative. By training local clinicians in POCUS, community health workers could bring cancer screening to villages, reducing stigma and ensuring earlier intervention. For Uganda, this would mean a shift from reactive care—treating advanced cancers—to proactive strategies focused on early detection and survival.

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Building Scalable Programs

The MBCGA–UAPO partnership aims to design pilot programs that can serve as proof-of-concept projects for broader adoption. The goals include:

1.     Training & Capacity Building
Equipping Ugandan clinicians with skills in breast and general cancer ultrasound, including Doppler flow and elastography when available.

2.     Deployment of Hand-Held Devices
Introducing POCUS systems (Clarius, Butterfly, and others) into rural clinics and mobile health units.

3.     Screening Protocol Development
Establishing standardized protocols for breast screening in men and women using ultrasound, tailored to Ugandan healthcare systems.

4.     Community Outreach & Education
Partnering with patient advocates to raise awareness, combat stigma, and encourage men and women to seek early screening.

5.     Research & Validation
Documenting outcomes and building an evidence base for policymakers, funders, and international health agencies such as the WHO and the Gates Foundation.

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The Global Context

The Uganda–MBCGA partnership mirrors a broader trend: the recognition that technology-driven health equity is achievable when global expertise and local advocacy unite. International organizations, including the WHO, are increasingly endorsing portable imaging solutions for maternal health, infectious disease, and cancer screening. Uganda’s engagement places it at the forefront of innovation for low-resource environments, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in neighboring nations.

Dr. Bard has suggested that global adoption of ultrasound for cancer screening could even challenge wealthier nations to re-examine their practices. As he quipped in discussion, “If Uganda can roll out ultrasound for men’s breast cancer, why can’t the United States make it standard practice?”

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Looking Ahead: Toward Health Equity

The Uganda meeting represents more than a partnership—it marks a shift in global advocacy strategy. By focusing on solutions, not just awareness, the MBCGA and UAPO are setting a precedent for how international alliances can deliver practical, affordable interventions.

The vision is clear:

·        To make POCUS ultrasound the cornerstone of early cancer detection in underserved countries.

·        To empower local advocates and clinicians to lead implementation.

·        To ensure that men with rare cancers, too often left behind, have access to the same lifesaving tools as their counterparts elsewhere.

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Conclusion

The collaboration between MBCGA and the Uganda Alliance of Patients Organizations demonstrates what is possible when advocacy, science, and local leadership converge. With the leadership of Cheri Ambrose, the voices of Wamboga and Amanya, and the scientific foundation laid by Dr. Bard and represented by Dr. Goetze, this initiative is poised to deliver a new model of screening equity.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound is not a dream for the future—it is an imminent solution for today. Affordable, portable, and medically proven, POCUS offers countries like Uganda a pathway to earlier detection, improved outcomes, and reduced disparities in cancer care. As this partnership develops, it may serve as a blueprint for other underserved nations, ensuring that no patient, regardless of geography or gender, is left behind in the fight against cancer.

 

Fall 2025 Medical Summit

 

WITH YOUR HOST, CHERI AMBROSE
Founder and CEO of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), 

Cheri Ambrose has become one of the world’s most influential voices in the fight against men’s cancers. A tireless advocate, she has built an international consortium of survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals to confront the biases, knowledge gaps, and inequities surrounding male breast cancer. Her leadership has not only elevated the visibility of this rare disease but has also inspired research collaborations, legislative progress, and global educational campaigns that continue to save lives. In hosting this 2025 symposium, Ms. Ambrose represents and unites the expertise of twelve distinguished speakers, each bringing groundbreaking insights from oncology, endocrinology, rehabilitation, imaging, and survivorship care. Together, they highlight the most pressing frontiers in male breast cancer: from early access to life-saving therapies and the use of circulating tumor DNA for precision detection, to image-guided tumor treatment, integrative rehab strategies, and palliative care redefined as a pathway to thriving. By convening this gathering of global experts, she continues to advance the Alliance’s core mission: education, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of equity in cancer care.

Date & Time	Speaker	Presentation
October 24, 2025 10:00am – 10:45am	Naomi Litchfield  Director, Patient Advocacy Bionical Emas	"Why is Early Access Important to the Breast Cancer Community" Early access is a lifeline for the breast cancer community—delivering faster diagnoses, life-saving treatments, and greater survival odds. It means catching cancer when it’s most curable, easing the burden of harsh therapies, and giving every patient a fighting chance.
10:45am – 11:30am	Jose Pablo Leone, PhD Director, Program for Breast Cancer in Men Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	"Update on the ETHAN Clinical Trial"  The ETHAN Clinical Trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute advances groundbreaking research for breast cancer in men, addressing a critical gap in oncology. This program explores tailored treatments, improves understanding of male-specific disease patterns, and paves the way for targeted, life-saving therapies.
11:30am – 11:45am	BREAK
11:45am – 12:30pm	Robert Bard, MD Medical Director of Bard Diagnostics	"Image Guided Treatment of Male Breast Cancer Tumors" Revolutionizing male breast cancer care—image guidance pinpoints tumors with precision, attacking cancer while protecting healthy tissue. This cutting-edge approach means fewer side effects, greater accuracy, and a powerful step toward personalized therapies that give men stronger outcomes and renewed hope for survival.
12:30pm – 1:15pm	Charlotte Bayala -  Host of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, Corporate Caregiver Wellness Program Designer, Speaker	"Before the Results: How to Stay Grounded When You Can’t Know What’s Coming" This thoughtful tour offers caregivers guidance on staying grounded amid uncertainty. Drawing from the cancer journey, it highlights resilience, presence, and self-care strategies—empowering caregivers to navigate the unknown with steadiness, compassion, and strength while supporting loved ones through unpredictable challenges.
1:15pm – 2:00pm	Erling Donnelly Vice President, US Breast Cancer Franchise & Portfolio Marketing Lead, Pfizer	"Pfizer’s use of Real World Evidence to support the expansion of Ibrance for use in males and a look ahead." In today’s advancing cancer landscape, Pfizer’s use of Real World Evidence (RWE) is reshaping access to Ibrance for men with breast cancer. Attendees will discover its regulatory impact, clinical significance, and the forward-looking role of RWE in transforming oncology therapies.
2:00pm – 2:15pm	BREAK

2:15pm – 3:00pm	Dr. Leslie Waltke Physical therapist with a clinical mastery in cancer rehabilitation, Founder of the Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy	"The Male Breast Cancer Rehab Plan: easing side effects, minimizing risks and getting strong again" This presentation showcases how image-guided therapy is transforming male breast cancer care—bringing unmatched precision, targeted tumor control, and reduced side effects. Attendees will discover how this innovation drives personalized treatment, improves survival, and offers new hope for men battling breast cancer.
3:00pm – 3:45pm	Dr. Barbara Bartlik Integrative Psychiatrist	"The Emotional Impact of Male Breast Cancer and its Treatment: Comprehensive Solutions to an Overlooked Problem" Male breast cancer carries profound emotional challenges that remain largely unrecognized in healthcare. Exploring the psychological toll of diagnosis and treatment, this session highlights comprehensive strategies—mental health care, family support, and integrative approaches—to foster resilience, healing, and improved quality of life.

 

October 25, 2025 

10:00am – 10:45am	Fatima Cardoso, MD, MSc, FESMO Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology President ABC Global Alliance	"Management of Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer in Male Patients" In today’s evolving landscape of cancer care, men with advanced or metastatic breast cancer face unique challenges often overshadowed by female-focused research. Dr. Fatima Cardoso delivers groundbreaking strategies in management, therapies, and compassionate care to transform outcomes and advance male-specific oncology.
10:45am – 11:30am	Ellen Schupper Executive Director - ABCD – After Breast Cancer Diagnosis	"The Role of Male Breast Cancer Mentors" Amid growing recognition of male breast cancer, mentorship emerges as a lifeline of hope. Ellen Schupper explores how trained peer mentors empower men with guidance, emotional support, and shared experience—bridging isolation and fostering resilience through every stage of diagnosis and survivorship.
11:30am – 11:50am	BREAK
12:00pm – 12:45pm	Don Dizon, MD Jane F. Desforges Chair in Hematology and Oncology and Professor of Medicine, Tufts University| Chief, Hematology and Oncology Service Line, Tufts Medicine	"Thriving and Palliative Care; What it is and is Not" In an era redefining survivorship, thriving with cancer requires clarity on palliative care’s true purpose. Dr. Don Dizon challenges misconceptions, illustrating how palliative care empowers patients—enhancing quality of life, dignity, and resilience while advancing beyond outdated views of end-of-life treatment.

 

12:25pm – 1:30pm	Ben Park, MD Benjamin F. Byrd, Jr. Chair in Oncology Director, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Professor of Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center	"Circulating Tumor DNA in Early Stage Breast Cancer; Breast Friends Don’t Keep Secrets" As precision medicine reshapes oncology, circulating tumor DNA offers powerful insight into early-stage breast cancer. This session reveals how ctDNA testing uncovers hidden disease, guides treatment decisions, and transforms transparency in care—proving that breast friends don’t keep secrets when survival is at stake.
1:30pm -2:15pm	Angela Mazza, DO  Triple board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Internal Medicine, and Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine	"Hormones and Male Cancers" In the evolving fight against men’s cancers, hormones play a pivotal yet often misunderstood role. Dr. Angela Mazza unpacks the endocrine influences driving cancer risk and progression, offering groundbreaking insights that bridge prevention, precision treatment, and regenerative approaches for improved outcomes.

Produced by: Bobbi Kline MD / Roberta Kline MD #human design  #longevity