“This is not just a medical update—it’s a public health imperative,” says Dr. Goetze. “For too long, men with breast cancer have been an afterthought in our screening policies. It's time we change the narrative and the tools we use to save lives.”
WHY ULTRASOUND?
While mammography remains the standard screening modality for women, its use in men has repeatedly shown technical shortcomings. Male anatomy lacks the dense breast tissue and contours that mammograms were designed to image. Instead, high-resolution ultrasound offers a non-invasive, anatomically accurate, and highly sensitive alternative for detecting subdermal tumors in male breast tissue.
According to Dr. Robert Bard, a leading cancer imaging radiologist, “Ultrasound enables us to visualize abnormalities in the male breast with superior clarity. The male chest wall and flatter profile make mammograms less effective and, in many cases, inconclusive. This bill recognizes science—and common sense.”
LEGISLATIVE CALL TO ACTION
This proposed bill calls on legislators on a state-by-state level —particularly those who have championed breast screening laws for women—to now extend that same life-saving commitment to male patients facing breast cancer risk. The legislation seeks to:
• Mandate insurance coverage for ultrasound as a reimbursable screening tool for men, especially those at high risk;
• Designate ultrasound as the primary imaging modality for men with flat chest anatomy, where mammography is less effective;
• Promote early detection initiatives tailored specifically to male breast cancer risk factors;
• Support alignment with NCCN guidelines, which recommend regular clinical breast exams—and, in some cases, imaging—for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
By closing this diagnostic and policy gap, the bill affirms a broader commitment to equitable cancer care and timely detection for all.
With growing survivor testimony and increasing public support, the legislation is part of a national momentum to address gender bias in cancer detection.
Cheri Ambrose, co-founder of the MBCGA, adds: “This bill is a turning point for advocacy. It tells men everywhere that their lives matter. That their health matters. And that science is finally catching up.”
Male breast cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases, yet men are often diagnosed at more advanced stages. This delay stems from two key barriers: lack of awareness and inadequate screening tools. Many men are unaware they are at risk—particularly those with a family history or BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations—and insurance coverage for imaging is inconsistent at best.
Dr. Goetze’s proposal speaks directly to this gap. “When we delay diagnosis, we limit outcomes. If we want to change survivorship rates, we must enable early, accurate detection for men—starting with insurance-covered ultrasound screening.”
A BROADER VISION FOR MEN’S HEALTH
The bill aims to raise public awareness about the clinical advantages of ultrasound use, while promoting the message that breast cancer is not just a woman’s disease. Through collaboration with advocacy groups, clinicians, and cancer survivors, Dr. Goetze and his allies seek to dismantle stigma, encourage open dialogue, and improve access to preventive care for all. Dr. Goetze’s leadership stems from his deep commitment to health equity. As a clinical researcher, an educator and a voice for underserved patient populations, his proposal champions both clinical accuracy and human compassion.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
This initiative is currently in pursuit of State Senate committee review. Dr. Goetze, the MBCGA, and allied medical leaders urge the public to get involved:
• Contact your legislators to express support;
• Use the hashtag #UltrasoundForMen to spread awareness;
• Share survivor stories and advocate for male-inclusive screening policy.
For more information or to support this campaign, visit www.MBCGlobalAlliance.org or contact the Office of Dr. Lennard Goetze @ 516-522-0777
A Unified Front Against Male Breast Cancer: Advocates ULTRASOUND Diagnostics, and a Lifesaving Bill
As the conversation around men’s health gains overdue momentum, a powerful coalition of medical pioneers and advocacy leaders has emerged to drive transformative change—starting with a new proposal to designate ultrasound as the primary screening modality for male breast cancer.
“Men deserve to be seen, heard, and protected,” says Ambrose. “This bill is not just a diagnostic update—it’s a declaration that male breast cancer matters. It’s a chance to save lives with the right tools, at the right time.”
This advocacy now intersects with science through the work of Dr. Robert L. Bard, internationally recognized radiologist and imaging expert, who was recently appointed Chair of Clinical Diagnostics for the MBCGA. A pioneer in using high-resolution, Doppler-based ultrasound imaging to detect cancers in men, Dr. Bard brings decades of expertise in early detection to the legislative table. “Male anatomy demands a different approach,” explains Dr. Bard. “Ultrasound is not just an option—it is the most precise and practical solution for male breast screening. I’ve seen it save lives.”
His leadership in developing non-invasive diagnostic protocols has reshaped standards in imaging across multiple cancer types. With Dr. Bard’s appointment, the MBCGA’s mission gains a powerful clinical dimension, ensuring that real science drives real change.
Together, Ambrose and Bard represent the perfect alliance of advocacy and innovation. Their unified voice, amplified through this bill, signals a new era in cancer care—where male patients are no longer overlooked, and where the right diagnosis can happen early enough to make all the difference.
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