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.