Expanding Access to Early Cancer Detection (Part 2 of Legislative Proposal)

A Vision for Ultrasound for Primary Screening
From the transcript of Dr. Lennard Goetze

7/3/2025- In the evolving landscape of cancer diagnostics, advocates are calling for a paradigm shift—one that recognizes the power of ultrasound technology as a frontline tool for early detection. At the forefront of this movement are leaders who believe this initiative can transform how cancer, particularly male breast cancer, is identified and treated. Their proposed legislative strategy aims to bring this cost-effective, accurate, and widely accessible technology into communities where traditional mammography often falls short.

Ultrasound has long been associated with prenatal imaging, yet its versatility extends far beyond obstetrics. Advocates argue that its affordability, portability, and clinical accuracy make it an ideal candidate for primary cancer screening. “It’s not just about male breast cancer,” one advocate stated. “It’s about leveraging ultrasound’s potential for a broad spectrum of cancers—male and female—especially in populations historically underserved by current screening programs.”

IN PURSUIT OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGE
The case for ultrasound is grounded in both clinical and social imperatives. Mammography, the current standard for breast cancer screening, is often ill-suited for men due to anatomical differences. Furthermore, the cost and logistical challenges of mammography can create barriers to access, particularly for individuals without robust insurance coverage or those living in rural areas. In contrast, ultrasound technology—especially the newer point-of-care devices—can be deployed in mobile units or even delivered directly to homes, enabling a “screening anywhere” model.

This vision is not purely theoretical. Across several states, similar initiatives have gained traction. A recent legislative effort in Pennsylvania, for example, sought to broaden screening language to include all individuals rather than limiting mammography to women, thereby acknowledging the overlooked prevalence of male breast cancer. The initiative in Pennsylvania signals a growing recognition of the need to eliminate gender bias in cancer care. By adopting similar language in their proposed legislation, advocates aim to create a more inclusive approach to cancer detection nationwide.

The proposal also tackles a deeper issue: education. Too often, male breast cancer is dismissed as rare, leading to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. As one advocate explained, “There is a dangerous misconception that breast cancer only affects women. Yet we’ve documented cases in men (as young as 18), and in professions like firefighting, exposure to toxins has created additional risk factors.” This lack of awareness is compounded by what some describe as a blind spot in medical training, where physicians are not adequately educated about male breast cancer. Changing this narrative requires a multipronged effort: legislation, community outreach, and professional education.

- to be continued

MBCGA's FIRST NATIONAL TOUCHDOWN WITH LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS Through strategic, state‑by‑state advocacy, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), under the relentless leadership of CEO and Founder Cheri Ambrose, secured formal proclamations across numerous U.S. states—each one designating a specific calendar week as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Ambrose personally reached out to governors’ chiefs of staff, championing the critical recognition that men, too, can develop breast cancer. These efforts ignited media coverage, legislative support, and public consciousness at the grassroots level. In 2012, proclamations were made in four states—New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Massachusetts—as reported by Patch during the first formal recognition efforts when Governor Christie declared the first New Jersey awareness week.  A decade later, by October 2021, Cheri Ambrose noted that youth and survivor awareness efforts had expanded to include 45 states officially observing Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. The range spans from 4 states in 2012, to 45 states by 2021, each acknowledging Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week through state proclamations championed by Cheri Ambrose and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance. Bolstered by this cascade of state successes, the campaign gained national momentum. Building on an existing tradition—where male breast cancer groups worldwide had observed the third week of October as Awareness Week since 2009 —Ambrose aimed even higher: to achieve recognition at the highest level of government. Her dedication culminated in a White House memorandum, officially declaring a national Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Though exact timing is not clearly documented, sources indicate that President Biden endorsed the memorandum—recognizing the Alliance’s sustained state‑by‑state momentum and the urgent need for broader awareness for this overlooked disease. This milestone not only validates the Alliance’s mission but also marks a critical step forward—uniting states and the nation in recognizing male breast cancer. Cheri Ambrose’s visionary leadership continues to amplify the message: men can get breast cancer, and awareness saves lives.

The Beginning of a Ruling Trend
The legislation under discussion does not prescribe a rigid age threshold for screening, as many existing guidelines do for women. Instead, it promotes a more nuanced approach that considers genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and individual risk factors. “The myth that cancer doesn’t strike before age 40 is simply not supported by reality,” one leader emphasized. “We have to break away from arbitrary age limits and recognize the complexity of risk.”

Moreover, the strategy acknowledges the disproportionate impact of breast cancer on men of color and other underserved groups. Data cited by advocates reveal a 52% higher incidence of male breast cancer in men of color and similarly elevated risks in Hispanic and Latino populations. Compounding these disparities is a 19% higher mortality rate for men, driven by delayed diagnoses and limited access to care.

To address these inequities, the proposal envisions mobile ultrasound units bringing screenings directly to at-risk communities. Collaborations with device manufacturers and transportation providers are already in motion, with commitments to donate portable ultrasound devices and vehicles. “It’s not enough to tell people to get screened,” advocates said. “We need to meet them where they are.”

This vision extends beyond detection. The goal is to foster a culture of vigilance and empowerment—both among patients and healthcare providers. By ensuring that clinicians are trained to recognize the signs of male breast cancer and equipped with accessible diagnostic tools, advocates believe they can transform patient outcomes.

The initiative also emphasizes fiscal responsibility. Ultrasound screenings cost a fraction of traditional mammography, offering potential savings for insurers while expanding access. “This just as much a medical issue as it is an economic one,” one proponent noted. “By catching cancers earlier and reducing the need for more invasive, expensive interventions later, we can save lives and reduce costs simultaneously.”

Underlying the legislative push is a profound human story: the decades-long advocacy of survivors and their allies. Their campaigns have already secured male breast cancer awareness weeks in numerous states and federally, and they hope to build on this momentum with ultrasound legislation.

The ultimate vision is a comprehensive network of awareness, education, and accessible screening. “It’s time to bring ultrasound out of the shadows of women’s health and into the spotlight as a universal tool for cancer detection,” one advocate concluded. “With the right legislation, we can create a system where no one is overlooked, no matter their gender, age, or socioeconomic status.”

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Sunday, June 15, 2025

2025 State Bill Proposal for Ultrasound Use for Male Breast Cancer

June 2025 – New York, NY — In a bold step toward medical equity, Dr. Lennard Goetze, national advocate for early detection and communications director of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) recently launched  a groundbreaking proposal for New York State Senators (and those from other states) that seek to improve cancer screening and prevention protocols.  These lawmakers are also anticipated to see the value of advanced ultrasound as the preferred diagnostic tool for male breast cancer. Backed by the MBCGA and renowned diagnostic expert and a leading cancer imaging radiologist Dr. Robert Bard, the bill underscores the urgent need to revise outdated imaging protocols that have long failed male patients.

“This is both a medical update and 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. Bard, “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.”