Breast Cancer Risk in the Transgender and LGBTQ+ Community

Clinical Considerations in the Context of Hormone Replacement Therapy
By: Dr. Angela Mazza

Introduction

Breast cancer is often thought of as a disease that only affects cisgender women, but the truth is: anyone with breast tissue can get breast cancer. That includes transgender women, transgender men, nonbinary people, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. This article is here to help you understand the facts, especially if you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or taking gender-affirming hormones.

How Hormones Affect Breast Cancer Risk
Hormone therapy is a powerful, gender-affirming treatment that supports many people in living as their true selves. It also changes how your body works, including how breast tissue develops. Here’s what the research shows:

• Transgender women (assigned male at birth, AMAB) who take estrogen grow breast tissue. Long-term estrogen use may raise the risk of breast cancer, especially after 5 to 10 years. Studies show their risk is higher than cisgender men but still lower than cisgender women [1].

• Transgender men (assigned female at birth, AFAB) who take testosterone may have less breast tissue, which can lower their risk. But if they haven't had top surgery (or if some breast tissue remains after surgery), there is still some risk [2].

• Nonbinary people may or may not use hormones, and their risk depends on whether they have breast tissue and what kind of hormones they take.

It’s important to know: hormones are not dangerous—they are life-saving for many people. But like all medical treatments, they should be monitored over time.

Other Risk Factors to Know
You may also be at higher risk if:

• You smoke or drink alcohol often

• You have a family history of breast cancer

• You are overweight or obese

• You haven’t been pregnant or breastfed

These are common factors in the general population, but some may be more common in LGBTQ+ communities due to stress, discrimination, or lack of access to affirming healthcare [3,4].

Why Screening Matters
Regular screening can catch breast cancer early, when it's easier to treat. But many LGBTQ+ people avoid doctors due to past bad experiences, misgendering, or fear of discrimination. That’s why inclusive, respectful care is so important.

You may need screening if:

• You have breast tissue and are over age 40

• You’ve been on estrogen for over 5 years

• You have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

Talk to a provider you trust about what screenings (like mammograms or ultrasounds) make sense for your body and your history.

How to Protect Your Health

• Find a provider who respects your gender identity and listens to your concerns.

• Share your hormone and surgical history so they can guide you on screening.

• Don’t wait to speak up if you notice changes in your chest or breasts, like lumps or nipple discharge.

• Advocate for yourself. You deserve care that sees and affirms you.

Conclusion
Breast cancer doesn’t care about gender identity or sexual orientation. What matters is that you know your risk, stay informed, and get care that respects who you are. Hormones are part of a healthy, affirming life for many—but understanding how they affect your body is an important step in caring for yourself. You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported in every doctor’s office you walk into.

Male Breast Cancer’s Hidden Mental Health Crisis

By: Dr. Barbara Bartlik

Male breast cancer remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiscussed diagnoses in oncology. For integrative psychiatrist Dr. Barbara Bartlik, the silence surrounding men’s emotional and sexual health in the wake of cancer is a gap that demands urgent attention. Her holistic perspective challenges the status quo and offers hope for survivors navigating the complex terrain of healing.

When most people think of breast cancer, they imagine women fighting a disease that has become a rallying cry for global awareness. But for men, who make up a small yet significant percentage of breast cancer diagnoses, the reality is different—quieter, lonelier, and often laden with stigma.

“Most men keep it very quiet. They don’t share it. They’re embarrassed about it because it seems to be a woman’s problem,” says Dr. Bartlik. This isolation leaves male survivors adrift in a healthcare system that is rarely designed with their unique needs in mind.

As an integrative psychiatrist, Bartlik occupies a rare position at the intersection of physical and mental health. Her work goes beyond traditional talk therapy, encompassing clinical insight into how cancer treatments impact the body, mind, and relationships. “You’re not just therapists at that level,” she explains. “You’re also clinical. That means understanding the real effects of treatments like Tamoxifen, which are killing the sex drive, damaging the immune system, and leaving patients depressed—even suicidal.”

 

The Andropause of Cancer Treatment

Tamoxifen, a mainstay in breast cancer care, is central to Bartlik’s concerns. Commonly prescribed to male survivors post-surgery, it effectively induces a chemical andropause—akin to menopause in women. “They may experience hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, depression, and a complete loss of libido,” she says. “It’s a long haul because they often have to be on it for five years, sometimes more. Most people do not like Tamoxifen. They’ve lost their energy, and it’s a very unpleasant feeling.”

For many men, these side effects strike at the core of their identity, compounding feelings of shame and alienation. Unlike women, who have networks of support groups and survivor organizations, men with breast cancer often navigate their journey in solitude. “Women have organizations where they can meet with other survivors. But for men, there’s very little support out there. They may never meet another man who has breast cancer,” Bartlik explains.

This profound sense of isolation is not just an emotional issue—it’s a public health concern. Without adequate mental health support, survivors may spiral into depression, anxiety, or worse. “Cancer in itself is a downturn for a person. It makes everything so bleak. Even just trying to survive it—the depression, the PTSD—it’s massive,” she adds.

 

 

A Call for Holistic Intervention

Dr. Bartlik believes the traditional oncology model, focused on eradicating tumors, often overlooks these critical aspects of healing. “Surgeons and oncologists are focused on killing the cancer. They may not think about bringing in a psychiatrist or helping support the man in adjusting to this new way of life—living with low testosterone, for instance.”

Her approach involves more than just medication. Bartlik incorporates nutritional strategies and natural supplements designed to mitigate some of the sexual and mood-related side effects of cancer treatment. “There are supplements like ginkgo biloba and tribulus to boost sex drive, long jack for erectile function, and amino acids like L-arginine and citrulline that open blood vessels. Magnesium helps too, because it relaxes and opens blood vessels.”

However, she underscores the importance of collaboration. “We have to work with the oncologist because some of these supplements can increase testosterone, and that’s not desirable in certain cases.” This careful balance reflects her integrative philosophy: treating the whole person, not just the disease.

 

Sexual Health as Mental Health

Beyond Tamoxifen, Bartlik highlights how other cancer treatments further complicate male sexual health. “We’re talking about testosterone blockers in men with prostate cancer and surgeries that inevitably affect sexual functioning,” she explains. “Some men are lucky and can retain some of it, but for others, the changes are devastating.”

She notes that early post-surgical interventions can make a difference. “If you take Cialis a month after surgery and continue daily, it can help blood flow and possibly restore some function.” For men struggling with lingering dysfunction, Bartlik’s protocols include both pharmacological aids and natural remedies.

“Sexual health is mental health,” she emphasizes. “When these men lose their sexual identity, it impacts their relationships, their mood, and their overall quality of life. Addressing this is not optional—it’s essential.”

 

Breaking the Stigma

For Bartlik, male breast cancer advocacy is more than a professional interest—it’s a mission. She sees an urgent need to break through stigma and silence, empowering men to seek help without shame. “Pursuing clinical care for men with breast cancer is a huge platform I didn’t even think about until I started realizing how sexual health and depression are all over cancer care—and specifically men’s cancer.”

Collaborations with advocacy groups and publishing her insights could amplify this message. “This is an area where we can make a huge difference in men’s health. It’s lifesaving work—because killing the stigma is just as important as killing the cancer.”

 

Toward a New Standard of Care

As she reflects on her role, Dr. Bartlik envisions a future where psychiatry is woven seamlessly into oncology care for men. “These patients are dealing with far more than just physical illness. They’re coping with loss—of health, of identity, of intimacy. Our job is to help them heal in every sense of the word.” For the men still suffering in silence, her message is clear: help exists, and they are not alone. With the right support, recovery can be about more than survival—it can mean reclaiming a full, vibrant life.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Barbara Bartlik is a renowned integrative psychiatrist with over three decades of clinical experience, specializing in the intersection of mental health, sexual health, and functional medicine. Board-certified in psychiatry and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is celebrated for her holistic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.  As an editor of Integrative Sexual Health (a volume in Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Library), Dr. Bartlik brings academic rigor to her innovative work. She integrates lifestyle medicine, nutritional strategies, and mind-body therapies into psychiatric care, helping patients achieve transformative healing.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics from PTSD recovery to menopause and andropause support. Based in Manhattan, Dr. Bartlik continues to redefine mental health care for the modern age—bridging science, compassion, and whole-person wellness.

“Saving Our Guys”: Pennsylvania’s HB433 and the Fight for Male Breast Cancer Awareness

Written & Edited by: Dr. Roberta Kline & Graciella Davi, PhD

In a landmark moment for public health and gender-inclusive cancer care, Pennsylvania’s HB433 passed the House with a resounding 197–5 vote. This legislative victory marks a critical step toward dismantling the pervasive silence surrounding male breast cancer. In a recent virtual meeting with House Representative Joanna H. Curry, advocates and survivors gathered to reflect on the bill’s impact and chart new strategies for expanding awareness and access to diagnostic care.

The meeting, spearheaded by Cheri Ambrose of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), featured survivors Stephen Sala and Garry Davis, diagnostic imaging specialist Dr. Robert Bard, and MBCGA’s education director Lennard Goetze. Together, they shared powerful stories and expert insights, weaving a narrative of urgency and hope.

Humanizing the Statistics: Two Survivors Speak Out
Stephen Sala, now nine years cancer-free, discovered his diagnosis almost by accident. “I was just looking in the mirror and a lump popped out on my chest,” he recalled. Despite his proactive approach and familiarity with cancer support networks, Sala was initially met with dismissiveness from his primary care physician. It wasn’t until further testing that the true severity became clear. “I had a double mastectomy. The cancer didn’t show on a mammogram, but when they went in, they found it early in my other breast as well.”

Garry Davis’s journey, by contrast, reflects the high stakes of late detection. Diagnosed at 58 after his wife noticed a lump during a casual moment at home, Davis’s cancer had already metastasized to his bones. “I didn’t even know men could get breast cancer,” Davis said. “It wasn’t on my radar. My primary doctor never recommended an exam, and by the time we found it, surgery wasn’t an option.” Now four and a half years into living with Stage 4 disease, Davis embodies resilience, undergoing treatments while advocating for others to get checked.

These stories echo a sobering national truth: while male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers, the American Cancer Society estimates approximately 2,800 new cases and 530 deaths in U.S. men annually. Men of color are disproportionately affected. Studies indicate Black men have a 52% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than their white counterparts, underscoring systemic disparities in education, access, and outcomes.

Dr. Bard: Pioneering Non-Invasive Diagnostics
As male survivors like Sala and Davis continue to speak out, medical professionals such as Dr. Robert Bard are working to revolutionize early detection. With decades of experience in advanced diagnostic imaging, Bard advocates for alternatives to traditional mammography—particularly ultrasound and thermography. “Men won’t go for a mammogram, but they will come in for a sonogram or thermogram. It’s quick, painless, and preserves dignity,” Bard explained.

His emphasis on non-invasive screening resonates in underserved communities, where cultural stigma and financial barriers often deter men from seeking care. Bard’s work with high-risk groups such as firefighters exposed to carcinogens has shown how environmental toxins can accelerate cancers in both men and women. “We’re seeing younger patients. Early screening isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential,” he warned.

Bard also highlighted the dual benefits of thermal imaging, which not only detects breast anomalies but can also reveal cardiovascular issues like pre-stroke conditions—a critical consideration for men, who statistically underutilize preventive healthcare.

HB433: A Legislative Game Changer
Pennsylvania’s HB433, championed by Rep. Curry, is designed to expand insurance coverage for diagnostic breast imaging following an abnormal screening mammogram. The bill addresses a long-standing gap in care where insurance plans often covered screening but not the diagnostic follow-ups needed to confirm or rule out cancer—leaving patients with out-of-pocket costs ranging from $1,000 to $4,500.

For men, this financial barrier can be especially devastating. Awareness of male breast cancer remains so low that many men delay care until symptoms are advanced, making affordable diagnostic options crucial. “This legislation isn’t just about cost. It’s about saving lives through earlier detection,” Curry emphasized during the meeting.

The bill’s passage in the House reflects growing recognition of these issues. However, Curry noted challenges ahead in the Senate, particularly resistance from insurance federations wary of expanded coverage mandates. Despite these hurdles, she expressed optimism. “With support from advocates like MBCGA and survivors willing to tell their stories, we can keep the momentum going.”

The Role of Advocacy: Breaking Bias and Building Awareness
Bias remains a formidable obstacle. Lennard Goetze underscored how societal perceptions hinder men’s health-seeking behaviors. “Men don’t even want to admit they have breast tissue, let alone cancer. Part of our campaign—‘Drop the Bias’—aims to challenge that mindset and encourage men to take ownership of their health.”

Ms. Ambrose added, “The language of legislation matters. It shouldn’t just say ‘women’s health.’ This is about people’s health. Changing that wording changes lives.”

Survivor Stephen Sala’s local advocacy in Philadelphia offers a model for grassroots impact. After sharing his story on social media and local news, he heard from numerous men who sought screening as a direct result. “It’s all about raising awareness. Most men aren’t being checked during physicals, and we need to change that,” he said.

Addressing Racial Disparities in Care
Rep. Curry, reflecting on her own family’s experiences, voiced concern about racial disparities in men’s health. “Particularly Black men—they’re not seeing retirement. They’re not seeing grandchildren. We have to save our guys.”

Her commitment extends to speaking at upcoming conferences for state legislators, including the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. “We know these diseases hit Black communities 40 to 50 times harder. That’s where we need to focus outreach.”

A Vision for the Future
As the meeting concluded, there was consensus on the need for continued collaboration. Dr. Bard invited Rep. Curry to visit his New York office to see diagnostic technologies firsthand. Ambrose and Goetze pledged to support Curry’s efforts in Pennsylvania and beyond.

“This isn’t just about Pennsylvania,” Goetze noted. “It’s about setting a precedent for other states and eventually federal policy.”

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Summary: Momentum Toward Change
Pennsylvania’s HB433 represents more than a legislative victory—it’s a clarion call to address a long-overlooked health crisis. By elevating male voices, pioneering new diagnostics, and advocating for equitable policies, leaders like Senator Curry and organizations like MBCGA are reshaping the landscape of breast cancer care.

As Garry Davis put it, “I thought this was a women’s disease. I know better now. And I want other men to know too—before it’s too late.”

Defining Cancer Alliance: 2025

Written b:y Cheri Ambrose for the Integrative Cancer Resource Society

"You can’t build a movement alone—you build it one relationship, one conversation, one act of courage at a time."

When I launched my journey into cancer advocacy 15 years ago, I could never have imagined where it would lead. What began as a mission to give voice to the underserved has become a global calling—to unite survivors, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and visionaries in a fight far greater than any of us could wage alone. This is the essence of alliance building.

It’s not about titles or accolades—it’s about connecting human beings across borders, disciplines, and differences to create solutions that save lives.

The Heart of an Alliance

Alliance building, at its core, is about trust. It’s about reaching out to a stranger on LinkedIn and discovering a shared passion. It’s about sitting in hotel conference rooms until midnight hammering out survivor support strategies. It’s about leaning into hard conversations and finding common ground where none seemed possible.

Social media has been my bridge to the world. Platforms like LinkedIn have helped me discover allies on every continent—doctors in Portugal, advocates in Australia, survivors in Africa—each bringing their unique brilliance to the cause. Through these virtual handshakes, we’ve sparked joint webinars, co-authored white papers, and built survivor networks that transcend oceans.

"The beauty of an alliance is that it grows stronger with every voice added."

This synergy isn’t theoretical. It’s tangible. A single introduction can lead to a global awareness campaign. A single Zoom call can turn into a transcontinental research initiative.

Milestones and Moments

This year has been a testament to what alliances can accomplish.

In March 2025, I was humbled to receive the Heart of Advocacy Award from the National Consortium of Breast Centers at their annual conference in Las Vegas. As I stood before hundreds of breast health professionals, I realized this honor wasn’t just mine—it belonged to every survivor who shared their story, every clinician who said “yes” to collaboration, and every advocate who refuses to give up.

We’re keeping the momentum going with events that matter:

• October 6: Our 3rd Annual All Boobs Matter event with Mike Landesberg on Long Island continues breaking stigma and sparking conversations about male and female breast cancer alike.

• September 17–19: The American Cancer Society Round Table in Washington brought together policymakers and medical leaders to reimagine patient care pathways.

• November 6–8: I’ll join colleagues at the ABC8 Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, where international dialogue drives local action.

• December 10–12: The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the largest in the U.S. with 30,000 participants, is where science and advocacy meet at scale.

One event especially close to my heart was produced by my friend Vicki Durston of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative and Breast Cancer Network Australia. Seeing Dr. Clifford Hudis, CEO of ASCO, in attendance reminded me that when giants gather, ripples turn into waves. At the “Showcasing BCNA’s Consumer-Led Advocacy for Visibility of Metastatic Breast Cancer” event in New York City, hosted by the American Australian Association, Vicki Durston, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services at Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), reflected on the power of international collaboration. The gathering united Australian and New York advocates to amplify breast cancer awareness and share innovative approaches to patient support.

Durston emphasized the importance of empowering individuals through BCNA’s training programs, which have equipped consumer representatives to share their stories and drive change. “This event exemplified how our collective passion can drive impactful actions that resonate globally, ensuring every voice is heard and every experience valued,” she said. Partnering with leaders from ASCO, Metavivor, Touch, and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance underscored the shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by metastatic breast cancer worldwide.

"Alliances are born in small rooms, on late-night calls, and in shared visions for something better."

 

My Medical Advisory Board: Proof of What’s Possible

No alliance can succeed without experts willing to lean in. I am deeply proud of the MBC Global Alliance Medical Advisory Board—a dream team of brilliant minds and compassionate hearts:

• Dr. Robert Bard, a diagnostic imaging pioneer whose work with ultrasound has advanced early detection for male breast cancer.

• Dr. Fatima Cardoso, a champion for metastatic breast cancer patients worldwide.

• Dr. Oliver Bogler, who inspires with his unique perspective as both a researcher and male breast cancer survivor.

• Dr. Ben Ho Park, whose precision oncology work is rewriting what personalized medicine means.

• Dr. Pablo Leone, whose leadership in clinical trials like ETHAN reflects our shared commitment to gender-inclusive cancer research.

Together, they represent the strength of multidisciplinary collaboration—the very soul of alliance building.

THE GIFT OF GET-TOGETHERS  In today’s era of Zoom fatigue and digital-only dialogues, nothing rivals the substance of in-person gatherings. Conferences like the ABC Global Alliance’s Advanced Breast Cancer Seventh International Consensus Conference (ABC7), held November 9‑11, 2023, in Lisbon, serve as powerful proof. With over 1,200 participants from nearly 90 countries—clinicians, researchers, advocates, nurses, patients, industry representatives, and policymakers—ABC7 was a melting pot of perspectives and expertise.  Key themes included the latest in endocrine resistance, anti-HER2 therapies for brain metastases, and equitable clinical trial practices. The “Inclusion by Design” poster series and workshop convened stakeholders to discuss improving diversity in trials through 16 actionable recommendations . But the true value was in the hallway conversations and table‑side insights. Over coffee and sit-downs, a researcher exploring endocrine resistance formed a partnership with an advocate passionate about patient education. A clinician from South America connected with a nursing leader from Australia to co-develop support tools. These spontaneous moments often sparked collaborative research proposals and advocacy campaigns across borders. As Cheri Ambrose of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance observed, “These gatherings are where we see the true magic of alliance‑building—where every story shared and every handshake exchanged strengthens our global fight against cancer.”  Physical get‑togethers like ABC7 aren’t just events—they’re the crucibles of meaningful alliances, the starting point for innovation, empathy, and action that transform global care.

Why Alliances Matter

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither can we. As advocates, we must build bridges between silos—bridges between survivors and scientists, between policy and practice, between local communities and global networks.

We need alliances to:
✔ Advance gender-inclusive cancer research.
✔ Build survivor networks across continents.
✔ Push for legislation that ensures equitable screening and treatment.
✔ Educate clinicians about rare and underserved cancer populations.

"Alliance building is action. It’s not a meeting or a mission statement—it’s the work of bringing people together to rewrite the future."

A Call to Action

To every survivor, clinician, policymaker, and advocate reading this: we need you. Your voice, your ideas, your willingness to collaborate. This isn’t just about male breast cancer. It’s about transforming cancer care for everyone.

If you’ve ever felt like one person can’t make a difference, let me assure you: you can. Because alliances are built one relationship at a time.

And when we come together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

About the Author

Cheri Ambrose is the founder and president of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, an international advocacy network dedicated to raising awareness, improving research, and supporting survivors of male breast cancer. With over 15 years of experience in patient advocacy, Cheri has become a recognized leader in forging partnerships between survivors, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. She is the recipient of the 2025 Heart of Advocacy Award from the National Consortium of Breast Centers and continues to champion global efforts for gender-inclusive cancer care.

Bridging Gaps in Breast Cancer Research

Dr. Jose Pablo Leone’s Vision for Clinical Trials in Male Breast Cancer

At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Jose Pablo Leone is championing a critical shift in oncology: building clinical trials that aim to improve outcomes for men with breast cancer. Speaking passionately about his ongoing research, Leone articulates a bold vision for trials that address historical gaps in representation. “We’re working hard to design trials that aim to improve outcomes for men with breast cancer” said Dr. Leone.

His work underscores a growing recognition that clinical research in men with breast cancer is not optional—it is essential.

Redefining Clinical Trials for Real-World Impact

Dr. Leone began by acknowledging a long-standing challenge in cancer research: clinical trials often fail to represent the full spectrum of patients affected by disease.

“One of the biggest problems in our field is that the evidence we generate doesn’t always apply to everyone,” he explained. “We tend to focus on the majority populations, but we need to think about how our therapies work across all patient groups—including those with rare cancers.”

His current trial, spearheaded at Dana-Farber, seeks to address this imbalance by focusing on men with new diagnosis of breast cancer.

“Our goal is to collect data that helps us understand what are the best endocrine therapy options for men with breast cancer” said Leone. “We cannot make meaningful advances for all patients unless we generate data that reflects all patients.”

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Focusing on Male Breast Cancer: A Rare But Urgent Priority

Leone also acknowledged the psychological and cultural challenges male patients face. “Many men don’t even realize they can get breast cancer, and when they do, they often feel isolated. Our trial offers them not only access to cutting-edge treatment but also a chance to be represented in the science.”

To be continued

Click to enlarge RETHINKING MALE BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTICS By: Robert Bard, MD While mammography remains a conventional screening tool, it is rarely used in men unless they present with symptoms such as breast enlargement, nipple discharge, or palpable masses—particularly in those with a BRCA gene mutation. More often, practitioners now rely on ultrasound as the primary imaging modality for male breast evaluation. This includes the use of advanced Doppler to assess vascular activity, which can help distinguish benign growths from malignancies. Common benign findings such as gynecomastia—especially in adolescent and young adult males—are readily identified with ultrasound. Fatty tumors like lipomas also appear clearly using this modality. However, the diagnostic power of ultrasound becomes critical when suspicious symptoms present, such as subareolar masses, nipple retraction, or bloody discharge. In such cases, ultrasound can quickly detect the presence, size, and structure of the tumor and guide further intervention.  (See complete report)

(Continued)

Designing for Accessibility and Representation

Dr. Leone stressed that good participation requires more than just opening enrollment. His team has implemented proactive measures to engage patients who might otherwise be excluded due to geography, disease characteristics, or comorbidities. “We’ve partnered with community clinics and advocacy organizations to reach patients where they are,” he explained.

This patient-centered design reflects Leone’s broader philosophy: clinical trials must adapt to patient needs, not the other way around.

Innovations in Trial Design and Data Collection

In addition to expanding access, Dr. Leone’s trial incorporates innovative methodologies to improve the quality and relevance of its findings. This includes the use of patient-reported outcomes, which can offer nuanced insights into how treatments impact patients’ lives daily.

“By capturing patient experiences directly, we’re getting a richer picture of efficacy and tolerability,” Leone explained. “We need to know not just whether a drug works, but how it impacts quality of life—something especially important for male patients who may have different psychosocial dynamics.”

Leone’s trial also leverages advanced imaging and biomarker analysis to explore potential differences in tumor biology between men and women. “We’re still learning about how male breast cancer may behave differently,” he said. “Our goal is to use every tool available to uncover those differences and translate them into better care.”

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A Call for Cultural Change in Research

Courtesy of: Gary Elroy/ MBC survivor

Dr. Leone concluded his remarks with a call to action for the research community. “We need a cultural shift in how we think about clinical trials,” he urged. “Representation isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation for scientific rigor and ethical responsibility.” Leone said. “We owe it to our patients to ensure that every group sees themselves reflected in the science that guides their care.”

Conclusion: Building a New Standard of Care

Dr. Jose Pablo Leone’s clinical trial is more than an academic endeavor; it is a blueprint for a future in cancer research. By deliberately addressing gaps in representation and accessibility, Leone is setting a precedent for trials that better serve all patients—male and female, common and rare diagnoses alike.

At Dana-Farber, this work underscores a broader mission to make cutting-edge therapies accessible to every person facing a cancer diagnosis. As Leone’s trial progresses, it promises not only to generate vital data for male breast cancer but also to inspire a new paradigm where no patient is left out of the pursuit for cures.

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AFTERMATH

“A Wake-Up Call for Gender-Specific Cancer Care” By Robert L. Bard, MD – Chair of Clinical Diagnostics, MBCGA

As a diagnostic imaging specialist, I have spent decades studying the pathways of cancer—how it develops, how it spreads, and most importantly, how it responds to treatment across diverse patient populations. This work has exposed a critical flaw in our system: despite clear biological differences, men and women are too often treated as interchangeable in cancer care.

What Dr. Jose Pablo Leone is accomplishing with the ETHAN trial is groundbreaking because it directly challenges this outdated paradigm. For decades, endocrine therapies were designed and tested almost exclusively in women, then applied to male breast cancer patients with minimal data. This has led to unpredictable outcomes and, in many cases, severe and unnecessary toxicities.

In my role with the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, I’ve met countless male patients who suffer debilitating side effects from therapies never optimized for their physiology. Men metabolize drugs differently, and their hormonal environment—characterized by higher androgen levels—alters both efficacy and tolerability. For example, aromatase inhibitors in men without gonadal suppression may fail to achieve sufficient estrogen blockade, while tamoxifen often produces more profound sexual dysfunction and thrombotic risks. These are not minor variations; they are fundamental biological differences that demand tailored solutions.

The ETHAN trial embraces this challenge by investigating endocrine strategies specifically in male breast cancer, including the use of gonadal suppression and CDK4/6 inhibitors. It gives us a chance to understand not only which treatments control tumors but which minimize collateral damage to quality of life—a factor too often sidelined in oncology.

It’s time for a cultural and scientific shift. Gender-specific research must become the standard, not the exception. ETHAN stands as a model of how we can advance precision medicine and equity simultaneously. It reminds us that treating men based on female-centric data is no longer acceptable in a field striving for excellence. We owe every patient—not just the majority—the dignity of evidence-based care.

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

“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.

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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.

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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. 

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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)

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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".

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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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