Survivor Stories: Spotlight on DERRICK CAMERON

In 2009 I noticed a lump under on my chest while I was in the shower one day. This occurred during flag football season, so I figured it was a deep tissue bruise. After a couple of months when it didn’t go away, I decided to go to the doctor because it seemed to be getting larger. After the physician requested an ultrasound, then a biopsy, I was called for a return visit for my test results. I remember when the doctor told me I had cancer and by heart sank. I became terrified. How could a man get breast cancer? I am only 32 years old – does this happen to young people often?  My first question was, “How long do I have to live?” I had to get my thoughts together and figure out what the entire process would be. There were a lot of decisions made quickly, including finding an oncologist I would be comfortable with.

After initial consultations, I began my journey with my treatments in early 2010. I started with a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning on the opposite side of my chest. I followed my surgery with five months of chemotherapy treatments. Each treatment would last between 5 to 8 hours per visit. It was a very challenging time but I had great support from family and friends. Chemotherapy is extremely hard; there are so many things that occur in a person, and every person reacts differently to the treatment. Different side effects may occur in people who take chemotherapy, and the same side effect can have different reactions for patients. The first drug I took made me feel like I had ants crawling under the skin. The second drug affected my taste; as soon as the nurse began the injection, I tasting what seemed like metal, a very weird sensation. As if the effects from the first two drugs weren’t enough, the third—nicknamed “red devil”—was the hard one. Imagine a seven-inch long, one-inch diameter syringe full of a drug thick enough to be syrup.

The effects of dealing with cancer are great in magnitude. Mentally, I went through so many thoughts including questions about my family’s genetic code. Was this passed along in my family, and would I pass it along to my offspring? What will people say or think about me? How will people treat me? My short-term memory was affected as well.

The battle educated me about cancer in so many areas. I learned about the chemicals used to kill the cancer cells. I learned more about my strength and perseverance. I already had established my faith and grew up in the church. But cancer made me pray harder and trust more than I ever had, resulting in increased, everlasting faith. I quickly appreciated life and relationships more.

I learned more about relationships during my time of going through treatments then I may have learned in a decade. The entire journey was so powerful that I decided to write a book called “The Strength of a Man” so that it may help other men prepare for a winnable battle. I have also become a big advocate for men to go to the doctor – I sure have changed my perspective positively about annual checkups.

All the real men will take responsibility in taking care of their bodies and monitoring their health. I may not have been able to prevent getting breast cancer but having breast cancer did not make me any less of a man. In fact, breast cancer made me a better man.

IF YOU ARE A MALE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!  Contact us at support@mbcga.org or visit our website: www.mbcglobalalliance.org  

---

Knowing Your Genes Could Save Your Children: The Truth About Male Breast Cancer and Genetic Risk

Yeah, you read that right. Breast cancer doesn't care if you have pecs instead of breasts. It's time to kill the myth: male breast cancer is real, dangerous, and often overlooked. But here’s what most men don’t know: this isn't just about you—it's about your kids. Your genes carry the story, and if you don’t know your predisposition, you might be passing down a deadly risk to your sons and daughters.

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION TESTING FOR POTENTIAL HEREDITARY DISEASES: Genetic mutation can be inherited. When a specific cancer type is prevalent in one side of the family, the cancer is recognized as a FAMILIAL cancer. Most of them are caused by genetic mutation in a gene related to cancer susceptibility. In addition, a term called "family cancer syndrome" (or "hereditary cancer syndrome") is a rare disorder in which family members have an above-average chance of developing a certain type or types of cancer. Family cancer syndromes are caused by inherited genetic variants in certain cancer-related genes. It is reported that up to 10% of all cancer cases may be caused by inherited genetic mutation or changes. These are called CANCER PREDISPOSITION genes. Individuals who carry a mutant allele of these genes have an increased susceptibility to cancer. It is now widely identified that an accumulation of genetic or epigenetic alterations affect the conversion of normal cells to cancer cells. (See complete report)  This isn't just awareness. This is a wake-up call.

For more information about the MALE BREAST CANCER GLOBAL ALLIANCE PREDISPOSITION TESTING PROGRAM, contact us at: www.mbcglobalalliance.org or contact our hotline at: 516.522-0777

---

Breaking the Silence: How Dr. Robert Bard’s Imaging Innovations Are Revolutionizing Rare Cancer Detection Special Report – Diagnostic Frontlines | June 2025

In a healthcare landscape that often overlooks rare and aggressive cancers, one name continues to challenge the status quo with precision, passion, and purpose: Dr. Robert L. Bard, a globally recognized leader in cancer imaging. With a relentless mission to advance early detection and redefine standards of care, Dr. Bard is pioneering new technologies that are transforming how we fight cancer—especially the forms too often missed.

"Every cancer missed is a life put at risk," says Dr. Bard, whose practice in New York City has become a diagnostic epicenter for patients seeking clarity, second opinions, and advanced screening when conventional tools fall short. His work is especially focused on rare and understudied cancers, such as male breast cancer, sarcomas, and pediatric anomalies—cases where early detection is crucial, but frequently delayed or dismissed.

At the heart of his approach is a suite of non-invasive, real-time imaging modalities that push beyond the limitations of traditional scans. These include:

·        3D Doppler Ultrasound for blood flow analysis and angiogenesis mapping;

·        Elastography, a revolutionary tool to measure tissue stiffness and distinguish between benign and malignant lesions;

·        Thermographic Imaging, which visualizes abnormal heat patterns from inflammatory or vascular activity;

·        AI-integrated second opinion systems, offering patients and physicians critical review data for better-informed decisions.

Dr. Bard’s practice also champions active surveillance programs—helping patients monitor suspicious lesions over time without unnecessary procedures. “We’re not just finding cancers earlier,” he says. “We’re managing them smarter.”

He is currently spearheading multiple clinical research initiatives, working in collaboration with advocacy organizations and imaging device developers to validate emerging technologies for rare cancer diagnostics. His goal? To reshape outdated protocols and offer clinicians globally-accessible tools that support early, actionable findings.

“Imaging is our frontline weapon in saving lives,” Dr. Bard asserts. “My personal challenge is to bring this power to cancers that have been neglected for far too long.”

With every scan, every case, and every innovation, Dr. Robert Bard is proving that science, when driven by compassion and courage, can rewrite the future of cancer care.

---

“DROP THE BIAS” is the campaign and battle cry of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance—a bold call to end the harmful misconception that breast cancer is a “women-only” disease. This bias in medicine, media, and society creates dangerous blind spots in care, leaving men misdiagnosed, undertreated, or ignored. It limits access to screening, support, and survivor recognition. But bias also lives within—men often avoid seeking help out of fear, stigma, or shame. “DROP THE BIAS” confronts this cultural and clinical oversight head-on, urging the world to recognize that men get breast cancer too. The campaign is not just about awareness—it’s about action. By challenging outdated assumptions, educating providers, empowering survivors, and opening dialogue, the Alliance aims to rewrite the narrative and save lives. “DROP THE BIAS” is a mission, a movement, and a message to all: equity in cancer care starts with truth.

Disclaimer & Copyright Notice: The materials provided on this web-based article are copyrighted and the intellectual property of the publishers/producers (The MBC Global Alliance). It is provided publicly strictly for informational purposes within non-commercial use and not for purposes of resale, distribution, public display or performance. Unless otherwise indicated on this web based page, sharing, re-posting, re-publishing of this work is strictly prohibited without due permission from the publishers.  Also, certain content may be licensed from third-parties. The licenses for some of this Content may contain additional terms. When such Content licenses contain additional terms, we will make these terms available to you on those pages (which his incorporated herein by reference).The publishers/producers of this site and its contents such as videos, graphics, text, and other materials published are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, please always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health provider. Do not postpone or disregard any professional medical advice over something you may have seen or read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.  This website does not support, endorse or recommend any specific products, tests, physicians, procedures, treatment opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this site. Referencing any content or information seen or published in this website or shared by other visitors of this website is solely at your own risk. The publishers/producers of this Internet web site reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, disable access to, or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, all or any part of this Internet web site or any information contained thereon without liability or notice to you.

The information provided in this article is a compiled report from public websites whose links are listed in the FOOTNOTES OR REFERENCE section and the statements and quotes included are from actual interviews by those whose names are stated who provided express consent to the publishing of this material.  This article is not meant to be used to diagnose, treat or advise others about what actions they should take with regard to any medical condition.  No one should undertake or discontinue any treatment as a result of what they read on our blogs. The publisher(s), editors or sponsors  are providing a strictly educational or editorial service and are not responsible for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific health needs. Writers and publishers are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation to any person(s) reading the information in this article or its thread. Readers with medical needs should obtain appropriate professional medical supervision. References are provided for any informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources.