The Silent Statistics: "What is the Right Age for Breast Cancer?"

How the MBCGA is Rewriting the Truth    about MALE BREAST CANCER

A Visionary Leader Challenges a Broken Narrative

For more than a decade, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) has stood as one of the world’s strongest voices for men with breast cancer. At its helm is founder Cheri Ambrose, a relentless advocate determined to dismantle misconceptions, uplift survivors, advance research, and force the global medical community to face an uncomfortable truth: male breast cancer does not belong to any one age group—it happens to men of all ages.

This message is not merely a statistic for Ambrose; it is the heart of her mission. For years, she has collected stories, data, and images from men around the world—many diagnosed decades younger than the age ranges cited on major medical websites. As she explains, the public narrative is dangerously incomplete.

“The statistics… show that breast cancer in men is usually detected between ages 60 and 70,” she said. “But what they’re missing is that younger men are being diagnosed too.” 

In her latest project with the MBCGA, Ambrose has launched a sweeping awareness initiative using portraits of male survivors displaying their ages at diagnosis—powerful visual testimony revealing that the disease is striking far earlier, far more often, and for far more reasons than widely believed.

A Project Born From Urgency—and Truth

Ambrose’s project began with a simple question: How many men were diagnosed under the age of 60? She already knew several—but when she publicly asked for submissions, the response was overwhelming.

“I felt it was important to highlight the younger ages of the men that are being diagnosed,” she explained. “The numbers show their age at diagnosis because there’s a lot being said about younger women being diagnosed these days. What they’re missing is that cancer is hitting younger individuals, not just women.” 

Her own database, spanning 15 years, places the average age of diagnosis between 35 and 50—far younger than the public assumes. These men represent a spectrum of backgrounds, geographies, lifestyles, and professions. Their one shared thread: none of them saw it coming.

This is exactly why Ambrose created the photo series. She wanted the world to see what the data hides: a 35-year-old with breast cancer. A 40-year-old. A 47-year-old. A Marine. A railroad worker. A firefighter. A father. A son. A man who never thought breast cancer was even biologically possible.

Predisposition, Environment, and Exposure: Why These Cases Matter

When asked what might explain the rising number of younger male diagnoses, Ambrose does not claim certainty—but she speaks from years of listening, observing patterns, and studying survivor histories.

Her perspective is both grounded and expansive:

“I think there’s genetics that are unchecked—people aren’t getting genetic testing,” she said. “Because of the environment and all the pollutants in the air… and the additives in food… it’s all affecting people and disrupting them internally. I think that’s what’s causing these cancers.” 

She also recognizes that occupational exposures play a critical and under-investigated role:
• Railroad workers
• Military veterans exposed to toxic environments such as Camp Lejeune
• Firefighters facing carcinogens on every call
• Industrial workers inhaling airborne toxins
• First responders surrounded by burn-off chemicals

“We’ve got younger men becoming firefighters, and they’re faced daily with toxins burning around them,” she explained. “Even though they’re masked up… when they take that mask off, those toxins are flying around in the air. I think that’s causing some of the issues.” 

Ambrose’s insights point toward something the world of oncology is only beginning to confront: male breast cancer is a multifactorial disease driven by predisposition, exposures, environment, culture, and silence.

The Culture of Silence: A Generational Blind Spot

Perhaps the most tragic barrier is cultural. Men are conditioned to “tough it out,” ignore lumps, and assume chest changes are harmless. Ambrose describes the generational silence that still persists: “Years ago, when people had cancer, it was hush-hush. No one talked about it… And unfortunately, that carries on today in the male population. They’re told to be strong and not show weakness, and therefore they dismiss a lot of things.” 

Even more devastating is the familial blind spot: “With breast cancer, the mindset has always been: women. People worry about their daughters. There has never been a focus on worrying about your children—including your sons.” 

This leads countless men to discover lumps months or years later—sometimes too late.

A Visionary Crusader for Global Change

Cheri Ambrose stands at a pivotal moment in the evolution of breast cancer advocacy. Her conviction is reshaping international understanding. Her work unearths overlooked truths and elevates the stories of men who were never supposed to have this disease. Her goal is not modest—it is cultural transformation. She wants: 

• A new public narrative that includes men in screening conversations
• Research agendas that investigate environmental and occupational triggers
• Genetic testing protocols that consider sons as well as daughters
• Earlier detection through awareness, not stigma
• A global voice powerful enough to break 100 years of medical oversight

This project—using visual storytelling to expose the real ages of diagnosis—is just one chapter in her movement. But it is bold, disruptive, and deeply human.

Conclusion: Rewriting the Future of Male Breast Cancer

The MBCGA’s new initiative is more than an awareness campaign—it is a recalibration of truth. It is a call to the scientific community, to public health leaders, and to families to re-examine everything they think they know about breast cancer.

Cheri Ambrose’s message is profoundly clear: "Male breast cancer does not discriminate by age. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, for reasons far more complex than genetics alone."

Through vision, courage, and relentless advocacy, she is pushing the world toward a future where men are not invisible, where exposures are investigated, where genetics are better understood, and where early detection is a universal expectation—not a miracle.

This project marks a turning point. And Cheri Ambrose, once again, stands at the front of the movement—lifting the voices of men who for far too long had none.

 PART 2

A Clinical Perspective on Ageism, Bias and the Urgency of Getting Checked
By: Dr. Robert Bard

Cheri Ambrose’s groundbreaking project shines a long-overdue light on a truth the medical community can no longer afford to overlook: male breast cancer affects men of every age, every background, and every corner of the world. As a clinician who has evaluated thousands of patients and followed countless survivors over decades, I applaud this initiative for cutting through one of the most harmful misconceptions in cancer care—age bias.

For too long, public and even clinical narratives have suggested that breast cancer in men occurs “later in life,” most often between ages 60 and 70. This oversimplification has created a quiet but dangerous ripple effect: younger men have been conditioned to believe they are not at risk. Many dismiss early symptoms. Many assume a lump is an injury from sports or work. And many delay getting evaluated until the disease has advanced.

Cheri Ambrose’s work corrects the record with powerful evidence. Her database of male survivors, spanning 44 countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil, Germany, and beyond—proves that this disease respects no borders and no birthdays. Men diagnosed in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are not rare exceptions; they are a visible, measurable part of the global breast cancer community.

This is why Ambrose’s collection of survivor portraits is so essential: it dismantles the old narrative and replaces it with a truthful, human one. Each face, each number, each story becomes its own diagnostic alert—reminding us that cancer does not read statistics before it chooses a host.

From my perspective, the most important clinical takeaway is simple:
Getting checked is—and always will be—the most powerful tool for early detection and prevention. Age should never determine whether someone “qualifies” to seek medical evaluation. Symptoms should never be ignored because a patient feels “too young.” And no man should assume immunity based on a statistic that never reflected real-world cases to begin with.

What Cheri has illuminated is not only a global problem—it is a global responsibility. When men from dozens of countries present with the same diagnosis at younger ages, we must confront the broader conversation: environmental exposures, occupational toxins, and familial predispositions intersect in ways we do not yet fully understand. The data Ambrose has curated invites and demands deeper scientific inquiry.

I commend this project for elevating men’s voices, challenging outdated assumptions, and giving the world an accurate, unfiltered view of male breast cancer. It is visionary work, and it represents the future of cancer advocacy: informed, inclusive, international, and unafraid to confront the truths that save lives.

The call to action is clear—if you feel something, check it. If you’re unsure, get evaluated. And regardless of age, always take your health seriously.

PSA: BECOME AN AMBASSADOR of the MBC Global Alliance

Join a Worldwide Movement to Advance Male Breast Cancer Awareness

The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) invites compassionate, mission-driven individuals to become Global Ambassadors—leaders who bring hope, education, visibility, and advocacy to communities across the world. Our Ambassadorship Program is an international initiative designed to empower volunteers to strengthen awareness of male breast cancer (MBC) and support all those impacted by this rare but deeply misunderstood disease.

Today, our network has a presence in 44 countries, reaching survivors, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups. Yet our mission remains urgent and unfinished. Male breast cancer continues to be overlooked, misdiagnosed, and stigmatized. Saving lives demands global solidarity, relentless outreach, and powerful voices willing to stand with men everywhere who face this disease—often in silence.

We want you to be part of this movement!

WHY BECOME AN AMBASSADOR?

1. You Become a Beacon of Education and Visibility in Your Community - Most men do not know they can get breast cancer—until it happens. As an Ambassador, you help dismantle stigma, correct misinformation, and provide life-saving knowledge to individuals and communities who may otherwise never hear it. Your outreach amplifies early detection, encourages self-advocacy, and inspires informed conversations with healthcare teams.

2. You Advance Advocacy, Research, and Clinical Awareness: From policy discussions to medical education efforts, Ambassadors help shape the future of male breast cancer care. Your involvement enhances partnerships with cancer centers, medical schools, nonprofit organizations, and international leaders dedicated to improving detection, treatment, and survivorship outcomes.

3. You Support a Global Network of Survivors and Families: Ambassadors help bridge nations, cultures, medical systems, and survivor communities. You will be part of a worldwide coalition that shares stories, offers support, highlights international disparities, and helps men everywhere feel seen, understood, and valued.

4. You Serve on Your Own Terms—Where You Are Needed Most: This program welcomes individuals of all backgrounds—survivors, family members, clinicians, researchers, students, community leaders, and passionate advocates. Whether your strength is communication, social media, public speaking, networking, or simply offering encouragement, there is a vital place for you.

________________________________________

WHAT AMBASSADORS DO

While every Ambassador’s contribution is unique, typical roles include:

• Community outreach within local, regional, or national networks

• Educational engagement, including sharing resources, facts, and awareness materials

• Supporting survivors and caregivers by connecting them with global resources

• Promoting events, webinars, and campaigns through social or professional channels

• Collaborating with clinicians and institutions to expand awareness of MBC

• Representing the Alliance at conferences, support groups, meetings, or online forums

• Helping build bridges between nations, amplifying awareness where it is urgently needed

No medical background is required—only dedication, professionalism, and heart.

THE VALUE OF YOUR VOICE

Male breast cancer advocacy has historically been fragmented and underrepresented. By joining our Ambassadorship Program, you help:

• Break the silence that keeps men undiagnosed

• Elevate survivor stories that deserve to be heard

• Expand global health literacy

• Improve cross-border communication among advocates and professionals

• Strengthen the Alliance’s mission to provide evidence-based education and timely resources

• Build a unified international movement that saves lives

Every Ambassador contributes to a rising global chorus of awareness—one that reaches rural villages, major cities, military bases, church communities, cancer clinics, academic institutions, and online networks in every region of the world.

JOIN US—Become a Global Ambassador Today

Becoming an Ambassador of the MBC Global Alliance means becoming part of a historic movement to change the narrative for men everywhere. It means lending your voice to a mission that protects families, honors survivors, accelerates research, and uplifts a cause long overdue for global attention. If you believe in advocacy, compassion, education, service, and international unity, we welcome you.

To Apply: Email a brief introduction, your background or interests, and how you'd like to contribute.

Contact: Cheri@mbcglobalalliance.org

Together, we rise—as educators, advocates, and ambassadors for a world where no man faces breast cancer alone.

 DIRECT FROM THE FIELD

MEET MIKE PARTAIN: WHERE ADVOCACY AND VIGILANCE  MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Mike Partain, 57, has lived his adult life at the intersection of science, suffering, and advocacy. Born at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina in 1968, he was among the tens of thousands of infants conceived, carried, and delivered in an environment later proven to be saturated with toxic chemicals— trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride. Decades later, at just 39, Partain was diagnosed with male breast cancer—a disease so rare that it affects fewer than 0.05 percent of men without hereditary risk factors. With no family history and negative BRCA 1 and 2 tests, he began asking the same question that still drives his mission today: what poisoned us—and why did it take so long to tell the truth?

Camp Lejeune: A Betrayal in the Water
Between 1953 and 1987, the drinking-water supply at Camp Lejeune was heavily contaminated with carcinogenic solvents that leaked from underground fuel tanks and industrial waste sites. Internal Marine Corps documents later revealed that base officials were alerted to the contamination but downplayed the risk. “From 1980 to 1987, the Marine Corps knowingly poisoned their own people,” Partain has testified. An estimated one million Marines, their families, and civilian workers were exposed.

What began as a health mystery became a lifetime crusade. In 1997, public-health assessments quietly acknowledged contamination; by 2012, after years of grassroots pressure, limited VA healthcare was finally extended to affected families. A full decade later, in 2022, Congress passed legislation allowing victims to sue the federal government. Yet progress has been agonizingly slow. “There are more than 410,000 claims filed,” Partain explains. “In three years, the government has settled about 830. Justice is being delayed as our community dies off from age and cancer.”

Always Faithful—and Still Fighting
Partain’s story was chronicled in the Emmy-nominated documentary Semper Fi: Always Faithful, where his collaboration with fellow Marine Jerry Ensminger exposed the government’s failure to act. A historian by training and a former teacher by profession, Partain turned his research skills into weapons of accountability. He compiled a 50-page, document-linked timeline on The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten—a database that became the evidentiary backbone for congressional hearings. Twice he has testified before Congress, and twice he has walked the halls of the White House pressing for scientific integrity and survivor rights. “We fought this scientifically,” he says. “Facts and documents were the only way anyone listened. It wasn’t emotion that changed policy—it was proof.”

2025- A Second Battle: The PACT Act Rollback
Now Partain is confronting a new and equally troubling chapter. The PACT Act—landmark legislation intended to expand healthcare and compensation for veterans exposed to toxins while serving overseas —initially recognized male breast cancer as a presumptive condition linked to chemical exposure. Recently, however, the Department of Veterans Affairs quietly rescinded that presumption while leaving female breast cancer a presumptive service connected disease.

“The VA is playing gender politics,” Partain warns. “They’re claiming that male breast tissue isn’t reproductive, so male breast cancer doesn’t qualify is disingenuous. Science doesn’t back that. Male and female breast tissue share the same structure. The only difference is hormones.” To him, the rollback is “an opening salvo in reducing veterans’ benefits”—a bureaucratic maneuver that abandons men who served, from Vietnam through the Gulf War, all of whom encountered many of the same toxins that devastated Camp Lejeune.

Connecting the Dots: From Toxins to Health Crises
Partain’s own life underscores the long tail of exposure. Even as a child he suffered liver problems—common among Lejeune families. His advocacy now expands beyond cancer to the full spectrum of toxic-related illness: bladder and kidney cancers, leukemias, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, and neurological disorders. He often calls male breast cancer “the canary in the coal mine”—a rare and alarming sign of environmental breakdown that foreshadows broader public-health disaster. “If we accept cancer as a way of life,” he says, “then we’ve lost our future.”

Building Alliances and Gathering Data
Today Partain collaborates with scientists, physicians, and advocacy groups to advance non-invasive diagnostic research. He recently partnered with Dr. Robert L. Bard, a diagnostic-imaging specialist and medical advisor to the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA). Together they are exploring advanced ultrasound and OligoScan technologies that measure heavy-metal and neurotoxin residues within body tissue—data that could help connect environmental exposure to physiological damage long after blood tests show “normal.”

For Partain, that kind of evidence could reshape the national conversation. “If we can document ongoing contamination in living tissue, we can prove what exposure really does,” he insists. “The government responds to data, not pain.”

Reflections on the PACT Act and the Duty to Protect Our Own The PACT Act—formally known as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act—was enacted as a long-overdue recognition of the invisible injuries endured by those who served. It expands healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances such as Agent Orange, radiation, and the notorious burn pits used in recent conflicts. Most importantly, it establishes more than twenty new presumptive conditions—which means that veterans no longer have to bear the impossible burden of proving that their illness was caused by military service. For anyone who has fought a war only to later battle for recognition of their suffering, this law represents a measure of long-denied justice. It also introduces mandatory toxic exposure screenings for all enrolled veterans, ensuring that the VA can identify health issues earlier and connect individuals with vital resources. Having served as a U.S. Army field physician in Thailand during the Vietnam era, I personally witnessed the widespread use of herbicides like Agent Orange and the resulting environmental devastation. Few could comprehend at the time that these exposures would linger for generations—silently seeding cancers, endocrine disorders, and neurological diseases among our own ranks. The soldiers who returned home were told little about what they had been breathing or touching. Many developed strange symptoms decades later, only to be dismissed or left to navigate a bureaucratic maze. For those of us who saw these chemicals used firsthand, the eventual acknowledgment through the PACT Act felt like an affirmation that our nation had finally chosen to confront its own complicity in toxic harm. Laws like the PACT Act are not merely policy; they are moral obligations. Our service members entrust their bodies and futures to the government they defend. When they are injured by exposures—whether to Agent Orange in Vietnam or burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan—it is unconscionable to deny them the care they have earned. Burn pits, often filled with plastics, metals, and medical waste, created toxic clouds that enveloped bases for years. Many soldiers returned with respiratory illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and rare cancers linked to these inhaled poisons. To hear of any rollback or resistance to the PACT Act today is unconscionable. It betrays the very principles of duty and honor that define military service. Our responsibility to those who served does not end when the war is over—it begins the moment they return home, still fighting unseen battles within their own bodies. Dr. Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FAIUM, FASLMS BardDiagnostics / MBCScan.org

- continued -

Grassroots without the Noise
Over 18 years of advocacy, Partain has learned that movements survive on credibility. “We never took donations, never incorporated,” he explains. “Our integrity was everything.” He is wary of self-styled saviors and splinter groups that exploit tragedy for attention. “There have been hijackers who twist the story. We fought not just the Marine Corps, but misinformation inside our own ranks. The only thing that ever worked was truth, verified by documents.”

His network today includes survivors’ families, attorneys, and medical experts. Through his Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Survivors group—20,000 members strong on social media—he continues to collect testimonies, organize information, and connect victims with legal and medical resources. “This isn’t just about the Marines,” he reminds audiences. “It’s about their wives, their children, and even grandchildren who carry genetic and epigenetic burdens from these toxins.”

Legislation in Limbo
Partain is equally vocal about stalled legislation. Two bills—one in the House, one in the Senate—aim to accelerate Camp Lejeune claim settlements and strengthen government accountability. “Right now, they’re stuck in committee,” he says, referencing Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan in the House and Senators Mike Lee and Dan Sullivan in the Senate. “Without public pressure, these bills will die there. We need outrage to move Congress.”

He quotes one federal judge who joked grimly that “this litigation will outlast the Roman Empire.” To Partain, that remark captures the federal government’s foot-dragging. “Every month of delay means more funerals,” he says. “Justice deferred is justice denied.”

Beyond Camp Lejeune: A National Exposure Crisis
While his roots are in Lejeune, Partain now sees a national pattern: toxic exposures at Kelly Air Force Base, Pease Air Force Base, and Fort Hood, among others, have left similar health legacies. He has begun collaborating with Rosie Torres, founder of Burn Pits 360, to unite domestic and foreign exposure communities. Their shared goal: a single framework that recognizes chemical and environmental injury—no matter where service occurred. “The burn-pit fight opened the door,” Partain says. “Now we must walk through it for every American base.”

The Advocate’s Creed
Despite his candor, Partain speaks with restraint born of experience. “We’re fighting an institution built on honor and integrity. You can’t just yell; you have to out-prove them.” His weapon remains research. His fuel is outrage tempered by purpose. “Complaining is one part,” he says. “Doing something about it is the second.”

He calls on physicians, veterans, and citizens alike to re-frame the narrative. “Stop talking just about cancer—talk about exposure. Exposure is the root. Cancer is the symptom.”

A Legacy of Accountability
Eighteen years after his diagnosis, Mike Partain remains cancer-free. Yet his fight continues—for himself, for his children, and for the thousands who never got their day in court. “This isn’t about revenge,” he says softly. “It’s about recognition. The government owes its people the truth.”

From congressional halls to grassroots forums, his message never wavers: Honor begins with accountability. And until every poisoned Marine, spouse, and child is heard, Mike Partain will keep changing the wallpaper—seizing each moment, and making sure it leads to change.

  Part 2

Endocrine Lessons from Camp Lejeune By Dr. Angela Mazza, DO, ABAARM, FAAMFM, ECNU, CDE Mike Partain’s story stays with me. His courage, his persistence, and his refusal to let silence bury truth are nothing short of extraordinary. When you listen to him speak about being born into exposure—conceived and carried in the poisoned water of Camp Lejeune—you don’t just hear a survivor. You hear the living proof of what environmental neglect can do to a human body and a human spirit. As a physician who studies the intricate dialogue between hormones, toxins, and resilience, I see Camp Lejeune as more than a tragic chapter in military history. It is a physiological case study of what happens when toxicants infiltrate the endocrine network that governs nearly every function of life—growth, energy, reproduction, emotion, and adaptation. It also illustrates how exposures decades ago can echo across generations through inherited biochemical vulnerability. The Hormone-Toxin Connection Many of the chemicals found in the Lejeune water—trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride—are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with the body’s ability to maintain hormonal balance, often in subtle, cumulative ways. These compounds can block thyroid hormone conversion, suppress pituitary signaling, or mimic estrogen, leading to cellular confusion that fosters inflammation and carcinogenesis. Patients exposed to these substances frequently show patterns that mirror endocrine disease: Hypothyroidism or thyroid autoimmunity, as the thyroid gland is highly sensitive to halogenated solvents. Cortisol dysregulation, where the adrenal stress axis becomes erratic, creating fatigue, anxiety, or metabolic instability. Insulin resistance and early diabetes, driven by mitochondrial injury and oxidative stress that impair glucose handling. Reproductive and breast disorders, in both men and women, arising from altered estrogen and prolactin signaling. When I read toxicology reports from Lejeune and other exposure sites, I see laboratory numbers that resemble endocrine case files—abnormal T3 conversion, disrupted cortisol curves, insulin spikes without dietary cause. The overlap is unmistakable. A Human Mirror for a Systemic Problem Mike’s diagnosis of male breast cancer underscores how toxins disregard gender lines. Our biological systems are far more unified than administrative categories suggest. The recent VA rollback that excludes male breast cancer from “reproductive” presumptive conditions reflects a misunderstanding of basic endocrinology. Male and female breast tissue share the same receptor networks for estrogen, progesterone, and growth factors. When environmental xenoestrogens enter that system, they bind indiscriminately. Disease follows biology, not bureaucracy. This is why his advocacy matters. He is not only fighting for veterans’ benefits—he is challenging a broken framework that separates exposure from outcome, hormone from environment, data from humanity. Every time he testifies, he brings science and empathy into the same conversation. That union is precisely what medicine needs. Endocrinology Beyond the Lab In integrative endocrinology, we no longer look at hormones as isolated messengers. They are translators of environment. Heavy metals and solvents can suppress liver enzymes that convert T4 to T3 or metabolize cortisol. Nutrient depletion—selenium, zinc, glutathione—further weakens detoxification pathways. Over time, the body’s adaptive resilience collapses, leaving behind the chronic fatigue, weight changes, immune decline, and cognitive fog so many Lejeune survivors describe. Restoring that balance requires more than medication. It calls for a systems-based approach: Identifying toxic burdens through validated tests that examine tissue, not just blood. Supporting detoxification with antioxidant nutrients, sauna therapy, and liver-protective protocols. Balancing hormones through evidence-based replacement, adrenal support, and thyroid optimization. Tracking recovery using imaging, metabolic markers, and ongoing environmental vigilance. This holistic method mirrors what we strive to build through programs like ThyroidScan™ and our toxin-related health initiatives—bridging diagnostic precision with preventive endocrinology. A Call to Integrate Science and Compassion Mike Partain reminds us that advocacy is a clinical act. When a survivor stands before Congress armed with facts and empathy, he performs a kind of healing on behalf of all who were unheard. His voice forces science to confront consequence. For clinicians like me, Camp Lejeune is a cautionary tale—but also a blueprint for action. We must expand screening for toxin-induced endocrine disorders, educate practitioners about environmental hormones, and demand policies rooted in biology, not semantics. Every data point represents a life. Every policy reversal carries a physiological cost. As I reflect on Mike’s journey, I feel both sorrow and determination. The sorrow comes from knowing how preventable much of this suffering was. The determination comes from realizing that awareness is itself a form of medicine. If we can illuminate the endocrine pathways of exposure—how toxins hijack our hormonal resilience—we can begin to reverse more than illness. We can restore integrity to the systems that were meant to protect us.  Angela Mazza, DO, ABAARM, FAAMFM, ECNU, CDE is an integrative endocrinologist specializing in hormone balance, metabolic health, and environmental medicine. She is founder of Metabolic Center for Wellness and co-developer of the ThyroidScan™ educational program.

Cheri Ambrose Reports from the ABC8 Global Conference in Lisbon

Global Voices, Rare Cancers and a New Era of Advocacy

 By the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance

Photo; ABC Global Alliance

On November 6–8, 2025, Lisbon once again became the world’s epicenter for advanced breast cancer dialogue as the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8) convened oncologists, researchers, clinicians, advocates, industry leaders, and global patient representatives. Among them was Cheri Ambrose, President of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), whose organization has become one of the strongest international voices ensuring that men with metastatic disease are recognized, counted, and included.

For Ambrose, ABC8 was far more than a scientific meeting. It represented continuity, momentum, and a renewed 10-year commitment toward a better, more equitable future for all people living with Stage 4 disease. “We worked very hard on the new ten-year charter,” she said. “It was wonderful to see so much of what we put into those two days of work come out in the new charter.” 

Her reflections provide a powerful lens into how global collaboration can shift patient culture, stimulate clinical innovation, and—most importantly—bring long-overdue visibility to male breast cancer.

 

A Conference With Purpose: Reimagining the Next Decade of Advanced Breast Cancer Care

The ABC Global Alliance, founded to unify the international metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community, meets biennially in Lisbon to build consensus around evidence-based guidelines and patient-centered priorities. At ABC8, one milestone dominated the agenda: the rollout of the new 10-year Global Charter, a document designed to influence research, access to care, clinical standards, and patient quality of life through 2035.

This charter, Ambrose emphasized, marks a meaningful shift. For the first time, quality-of-life considerations—such as treatment breaks, dose reductions, and the right to prioritize daily living over toxicity—are formally acknowledged as central to care. “It’s okay to stray away from the norm,” she explained. “Sometimes patients need a treatment holiday or a lower dose if the side effects are too strong.”

This approach reflects a rising global recognition that clinical success cannot be measured by tumor response alone. In metastatic disease, meaningful survival is inseparable from meaningful living.

 

Why Representation Matters: Bringing Men to the Global Stage

Ambrose has long been one of the only international advocates consistently inserting male breast cancer into MBC conversations. ABC8 highlighted how far that advocacy has come. “Dr. Fatima Cardoso has worked very hard for many years focusing on breast cancer in men,” she noted, referencing the ABC Alliance’s director. “She included men in everything she does for the advanced breast cancer community. It’s giving them a voice.” 

Cardoso’s 2018 landmark publication on male breast cancer—identifying biological and clinical differences—remains one of the few major international studies of its kind. But, as Ambrose pointed out, research still suffers from a chronic funding gap due to the rarity of the disease.   This is precisely why representation at conferences like ABC8 is so critical. Ambrose’s presence signals that male breast cancer advocates are organized, engaged, and shaping the decade ahead.

“The fact that people now say people with metastatic disease instead of women—that’s because of her leadership and because we show up,” she said. “Just by being there, it gives credence to the fact that we are one of the largest global organizations working to elevate men in these research studies.”

 

A Global Network That Is Growing—and Listening

One of the most striking developments this year has been the rising number of male breast cancer diagnoses emerging from Africa, particularly Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. For Ambrose, ABC8 was a chance to deepen the relationships that began through online meetings.

Meeting Dr. Godwin from Tanzania in person was a highlight. “He came up to me and it really touched my heart,” she recalled. “We had only met over Zoom. To connect with him in person was wonderful.”  She also connected with young doctors from Uganda, many eager to learn modern imaging methods used in the United States—technologies like elastography, thermal imaging, and advanced ultrasound that are rarely discussed in their training programs.

“These young doctors are the next generation. They’re the ones who will be treating men who may become metastatic,” she said. “Giving them tools for their toolbox can only save more lives.”   The Alliance also expanded collaboration with teams in India, where late-stage presentation remains common and awareness of male breast cancer is extremely limited.

 

The Missing Voices: Governments and Insurers

While ABC8 brought together scientists, clinicians, advocates, and industry partners, Ambrose emphasized there is still one major gap: representation from insurance leaders and government health agencies.

“Imagine choosing between taking your lifesaving medication or putting food on your table,” she said. “Those are the hard decisions patients face. We need more people in power to hear these stories.”  The Global Alliance’s post-conference advocate roundtable—open only to members—was a moment for leaders like Ambrose to articulate this clearly. These insights, compiled and delivered by Dr. Cardoso, help shape policy directions internationally.

 

Why Being There Matters: The Difference Between Zoom and Real Presence

The pandemic normalized virtual meetings. But when asked why she still travels halfway across the world instead of simply logging in, Ambrose’s response was immediate: “You can do it over Zoom, but seeing people—sitting down, sharing a laugh—cannot be replaced.” One example proved her point. At ABC8, she spoke with a physician from Canada about a metastatic breast cancer drug approved in the U.S. but not available to Canadian men. Through that conversation, the doctor connected her with a male breast cancer researcher she never would have met otherwise.

“That conversation would never have taken place on Zoom. I wo have never known this man,” she said. These organic, unexpected connections are often the roots of future collaboration, research opportunities, and patient support breakthroughs.

 

A Global Alliance That Strengthens the MBCGA Mission

For Ambrose and the MBCGA, ABC8 was not simply another conference—it was validation that: Men are finally being recognized in the metastatic space. Global collaboration is expanding rapidly. New research allies in Africa and India are emerging. Younger clinicians want to learn male-specific imaging and diagnostic strategies.

Advocates have a real seat at the table in shaping the next decade of care. Her hope is that the momentum continues—but with even greater emphasis on male metastatic awareness, earlier screening, and increased global access to medicines. “We hope the metastatic community continues to recognize men,” she said. “More men are being diagnosed due to lack of awareness and screening. We need researchers to help us educate others—especially the new doctors coming into this space.”

 

Conclusion: ABC8 and the Road Ahead

The ABC Global Alliance’s motto has always been rooted in unity—uniting data, expertise, patient experience, and global willpower. At ABC8, that unity felt stronger than ever.  From the unveiling of a new 10-year charter centered on quality of life, to the deepening international collaborations that help underserved communities, to the quiet but powerful rise of male breast cancer visibility, this conference represented a turning point.

For Cheri Ambrose and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, ABC8 reaffirmed one essential truth: global change begins when people show up—with their voices, their stories, their passion, and their unwavering commitment to equity. “In-person connection builds the future,” Ambrose reflected. “It’s how lives change. It’s how we save more men. And that can’t be replaced by Zoom.”  As the world moves toward the next decade in metastatic breast cancer care, her message is unmistakably clear: Men belong in this conversation. And the world is finally listening.

 MBCGA CANCER NEWS 

A Milestone for Male Breast Cancer Research

MBCGA Presents $10,000 to Dana-Farber’s Dr. José Pablo Leone

On November 21, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) marked another historic step in its mission to advance research, visibility, and clinical innovation for men with breast cancer. A small but deeply committed delegation traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, to formally present a $10,000 research grant to Dr. José Pablo Leone and the Male Breast Cancer Research Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—one of the nation’s leading centers pioneering male-specific breast cancer science.

This contribution represents more than a financial gift; it is a symbol of partnership, progress, and the growing global recognition that men with breast cancer deserve dedicated research, tailored treatments, and equitable representation in clinical trials.

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A Gift Made Possible by Community: The Landesberg Fundraiser

Joining MBCGA President Cheri Ambrose on this important visit were Michael Landesberg, his wife Jamie, and their son Sean. It was Michael’s remarkable fundraising initiative—built from personal passion, community outreach, and family commitment—that made this donation possible.

For Ambrose, the presence of the Landesberg family was not only meaningful but symbolic. Their involvement demonstrated how awareness can grow not only through medical institutions, but through the personal stories of families determined to drive change. “Their fundraiser afforded us the opportunity to support research at this level,” Ambrose shared. “This check represents countless conversations, hours, and heart.”

Their act of philanthropy reinforces the message the MBCGA has championed for more than a decade: when families mobilize, research accelerates.

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Meeting a Survivor Who Represents the Future: Introducing Rich Loud, ETHAN Trial Participant**

Another memorable part of the visit was meeting Rich Loud, a recent male breast cancer survivor and participant #9 in Dana-Farber’s ETHAN trial—a groundbreaking study that may help reshape future treatment pathways. Rich’s participation in the ETHAN trial positions him at the intersection of innovation and lived experience. His story reflects both the progress being made and the urgent need for continued investment in male-specific research.

For Ambrose and the MBCGA team, meeting Rich put a human face on the outcome of research dollars and advocacy. He represents thousands of men whose diagnoses remain under-discussed, underfunded, and often misunderstood.

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Behind the Curtain: A Tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s Cutting-Edge Lab

One of the highlights of the visit was a guided tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s laboratory, where some of Dana-Farber’s most promising breast cancer discoveries originate. The group was offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the scientific engines powering new therapies, emerging molecular insights, and experimental approaches that could change the trajectory of male breast cancer care.

Witnessing the depth of innovation—from molecular modeling to targeted drug development—reinforced for the delegation just how essential philanthropic support is. Research is not merely conducted in laboratories; it is powered by them.

Ambrose described the experience as “a sneak peek behind the curtain where the magic happens”—a firsthand reminder of why fundraising and partnership remain central to MBCGA’s mission.

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Strengthening the Bridge Between Advocates and Researchers

The Dana-Farber visit served as a powerful example of what collaboration between patient advocates and clinicians can achieve. For years, male breast cancer has been considered a rare condition, often relegated to the margins of breast cancer research. Yet through sustained advocacy, patient representation, and philanthropic momentum, male-focused investigations are finally gaining traction.

Dr. Leone’s research program stands at the forefront of these efforts. By supporting it, the MBCGA affirms its commitment to ensuring that men receive:

• Better data

• Earlier diagnoses

• More precise and inclusive treatments

• Greater access to clinical trials

The MBCGA’s donation sends a message not only to Dana-Farber but to the entire oncology community: research for men with breast cancer is no longer optional—it is essential.

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A Day That Honors the Past and Inspires the Future

The Boston visit encapsulated what the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance has always represented: people taking action, families stepping forward, survivors sharing knowledge, and scientists working tirelessly to advance life-saving solutions.

As Ambrose reflected on the day, she emphasized the importance of building lasting partnerships with institutions that demonstrate a real commitment to male breast cancer research. Dana-Farber is one of those institutions—and November 21 was a moment of progress, unity, and hope.

The $10,000 check was more than a donation. It was a promise. A renewed commitment to men everywhere who deserve answers, better outcomes, and a future shaped by science—not silence.

 A F T E R M A T H

From Lisbon to Boston: The Expanding Power of Global Advocacy in 2025
by Dr. Robert L. Bard - Diagnostic Imaging Specialist (NYC)

As a clinician who has dedicated his career to early detection, advanced imaging, and the pursuit of equity in cancer care, I have long believed that the greatest breakthroughs occur not only in laboratories or treatment rooms—but at the intersections of people, ideas, and global collaboration. This year, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) has demonstrated that truth louder than ever. From the international stage in Lisbon to the research corridors of Boston, 2025 has become a year of undeniable forward motion for the male breast cancer community.

When Cheri Ambrose represented the MBCGA at the ABC8 Global Conference in Lisbon, she did far more than attend another summit—she advanced the visibility of men in metastatic breast cancer at one of the world’s most influential consensus gatherings. The rollout of the new 10-year ABC Global Charter will shape treatment guidelines, research priorities, and patient quality of life for the next decade. For Cheri to stand in those rooms, ensuring that male patients are not forgotten in a historically woman-focused field, is a testament to both her leadership and the Alliance’s growing global authority.

Cheri has a unique ability to change language, culture, and perception through simple presence and persistent advocacy. The fact that leading clinicians and researchers are now saying “people with metastatic disease” instead of “women” is not a coincidence—it is the result of her consistency and commitment. By collaborating with physicians from Africa, India, Canada, and the U.S., she has expanded pathways for screening, modern imaging techniques, and deeper education of the next generation of doctors who will treat male breast cancer worldwide. These are not symbolic victories—they are structural, lasting changes that will save lives.

And then, just one week later, the momentum continued in Boston, where Cheri and the MBCGA delivered a $10,000 research grant to Dr. José Pablo Leone at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This was more than a donation; it marked the strengthening of a clinical alliance that is pushing male breast cancer research into new territory. The Landesberg family—whose dedication and fundraising made this contribution possible—stands as a model of patient-centered philanthropy. Meeting survivor Rich Loud, a participant in the ETHAN trial, provided a vivid reminder of why research matters. His story embodies both courage and the promise of scientific progress.

Our tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s laboratory underscored what I see every day in my own practice: the future of breast cancer care lies in precision, innovation, and collaboration across borders. Seeing firsthand the molecular and translational science underway at Dana-Farber reaffirmed the importance of supporting institutions that acknowledge male breast cancer as a critical and growing concern.

From the global dialogue in Portugal to the research-driven energy of Boston, the MBCGA continues to extend its reach, accelerate awareness, and forge partnerships that amplify its voice on every continent. These two events—separated by only a few days—demonstrate a rising truth: the world is finally listening.

Advocacy is not measured by the size of the organization, but by the weight of its impact. In 2025, the MBCGA has made that impact impossible to ignore.