Breaking Bias: The Push for Gender-Inclusive Male Breast Cancer Diagnostics

 

In a world where pink ribbons and women's health dominate the narrative around breast cancer, Cheri Ambrose and Dr. Robert Bard are changing the script. At the helm of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), Ambrose, the organization’s president, and Dr. Bard, its leading medical advisor, are spearheading a movement to bring awareness, equity, and innovation to a frequently overlooked population—men with breast cancer.

Ambrose’s efforts are rooted in a history of grassroots activism. For over a decade, she has worked state by state to secure proclamations recognizing the third week of October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week—an effort that culminated in President Joe Biden’s 2021 national proclamation. Now, Ambrose is replicating that successful formula to push HB 433 beyond Pennsylvania, with aspirations to see it adopted nationwide and, ultimately, at the federal level.

While Ambrose builds bridges in policy, Dr. Robert Bard brings the technological firepower to male breast cancer diagnostics. An expert in advanced imaging, Dr. Bard has long criticized the medical community’s gendered blind spots. “Men are told to get a colonoscopy at 50 and that’s it,” he remarked. “They don’t hear about male breast cancer—it’s viewed as a woman’s disease.” This cultural bias contributes to diagnostic delays and worsened outcomes for men.

But technology is tipping the scales. Dr. Bard emphasizes that today’s tools, including ultrasound, elastography, and thermography, are redefining early detection. Unlike traditional mammograms, which can be uncomfortable and stigmatizing for male patients, these non-invasive methods offer accurate, radiation-free alternatives. “With a simple thermal camera, you can detect heat signatures of a tumor the same way a fireman detects a body in smoke,” Bard explained. “This allows men to get diagnosed quickly, affordably, and without the trauma or embarrassment.”

Importantly, these diagnostic technologies are becoming more mobile and accessible. Dr. Bard points to programs that deploy screening vans and even firetrucks outfitted with medical imaging tools to rural communities. "In Florida, every ambulance has an ultrasound and thermal imaging equipment. That kind of infrastructure should be national," he said.

Ambrose sees these innovations as critical to the Alliance's global mission. With partners and patients across continents, the MBCGA’s work transcends borders. “We’re called the Global Alliance for a reason,” she said. “Working together is working smarter.” Dr. Bard agrees, citing his own international training in Europe on diagnostic advancements like laser therapy and focused ultrasound. “The world is rich with knowledge—we just have to use it,” he said.

Both leaders also recognize the uphill battle in changing entrenched systems. Insurance limitations, outdated clinical trials, and exclusionary pharmaceutical labeling are persistent barriers. The Alliance actively partners with researchers and drug developers to ensure men are represented in data and treatment protocols.

Still, momentum is growing. Dr. Bard points to recent legislative wins, such as the federal law mandating ultrasound screenings for women with dense breast tissue—a success built on two decades of advocacy. “The same persistence will make male-centered diagnostics a reality,” he noted.

Looking forward, Ambrose envisions a future where men no longer feel invisible in the cancer conversation. She continues to collect and amplify the stories of male survivors, believing that real voices drive real change. “Breast cancer does not discriminate,” she affirmed. “It’s a disease of the people, and our job is to save lives—one person, one policy, one scan at a time.”

This commitment recently earned Ambrose the Heart of Advocacy Award at the National Consortium of Breast Centers—a recognition made sweeter by the very medical leaders who nominated her. For Dr. Bard, it was a fitting tribute to a partner who has redefined what’s possible through dedication and resolve.

As they set their sights on national reform and technological expansion, both Ambrose and Bard remain united by a singular goal: to ensure that male breast cancer is no longer an afterthought, but a front-line issue in global health.

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THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MALE BREAST CANCER GLOBAL ALLIANCE

The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) is leading the charge in awareness, education, and support for men affected by this disease. This organization has built a worldwide network of survivors, advocates, researchers, and healthcare professionals working to shatter the stigma and silence surrounding male breast cancer. They’ve played a crucial role in pushing for more inclusive research, advancing public health messaging, and ensuring men have access to the resources they need. Through tireless advocacy and collaboration, MBCGA has helped get male breast cancer recognized in global cancer policy and has elevated the voices of countless survivors. Their data-driven campaigns and survivor-led storytelling have reached millions, and their partnership with Bard Diagnostics is all about scaling that impact through accessible genetic testing.

 

RELATED RESOURCES

Under a dedicated partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, BARDDIAGNOSTICS established key programs including: EARLIER DETECTION, PREDISPOSITION GENE TESTING, FIGHT RECURRENCE, ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE AND THE 2ND OPINION SCAN. For the many MEN who seek a significantly improved lifestyle or an upgrade in personalized healthcare, getting better answers about your state of health is paramount and IT ALL STARTS WITH STATE OF THE ART DIAGNOSTICS. The visionary paradigm that makes up true personalized medical care involves the integration between modalities, a collaboration between specialists and an upgrade in their strategic approach and you'll find it all at BardDiagnostics. 

UNCOVERED – Shedding Light on Male Breast Cancer

The first official newsletter from the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, launched in proud partnership with AngioMedical Media and the Integrative Cancer Resource Society. Rooted in the belief that education is power, UNCOVERED delivers essential news, scientific updates, and survivor stories to inform and inspire. Each issue is packed with the latest in male breast cancer research, treatment innovations, and advocacy efforts from around the globe. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, UNCOVERED is your trusted source for facts and forward-thinking perspectives. Join us in uncovering the truth—and empowering lives through knowledge. (visit our regularly updated Newsletter)

The INTEGRATIVE CANCER RESOURCE SOCIETY is a self-funded (Linkedin Based) independent volunteer group of non-profit foundations/charities, researchers, educators, community leaders and survivors. Under the spirit of collaboration and partnership, we are joined to bring a new level of support to cancer patients, survivors and all those seeking current information about cancer care. We form a unique network of support for one another- while driven to help those who need additional resources, technical updates or empowerment on the road to recovery. ICRS uses the power of the "interweb" to reach a global audience and a network of resources beyond our local borders. We have engaged some of the most impressive minds, perspectives and resources and enjoyed the exchange of vital information that is useful to all. Thanks in part to digital collaboration, these "foreign" connections have always been a part of our cancer crusade, now joining us in what we call "BORDERLESS MEDICINE".

In great support of a the global movement of NON-INVASIVE medicine, we proudly introduce the INTEGRATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER by AngioInnovation Research (501c3). This New York city-based diagnostic imaging validation lab is established to clinically identify the efficacy, performance and supportive claims set by non-invasive therapeutics and diagnostic solutions. Co-founded by Dr. Robert L. Bard, the IHRC offers a non-profit, non-commercialized testing option for health-related innovations who seek an independent and impartial reporting through single-case pilot studies or IRB-Based clinical trials. The IHRC employs credentialed medical professionals and specialists in clinical research whose experience contributes to the unique strategic approach of each test study. (Visit: the AngioInstitute website)

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