By: Graciella Davi, PhD / Angiomedical Press & “UNCOVERED” MBCGA Newsletter
At the heart of this powerful
narrative is Boaz Musamvu, a
Zambian survivor whose journey through diagnosis and treatment became the
bridge linking continents. His case brought together Dr. Sihem Dhifaoui of Zambia’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Kiran Kumar of India’s Yashoda
Hospitals, and Dr. Robert Bard
of Bard Cancer Diagnostics in New York—each playing a decisive role in ensuring
Boaz’s survival.
From Zambia: Dr. Dhifaoui’s Early Intervention
Dr. Dhifaoui had seen only one prior
male breast cancer patient in her career, making Boaz her first male breast
cancer case to manage from start to finish. Her vigilance was critical—despite
other opinions suggesting that radiotherapy was unnecessary, she insisted on
it, recognizing its importance in reducing recurrence risk.
“In Zambia, the biggest challenge
isn’t only technology,” Dr. Dhifaoui explained. “It’s the stigma. Many men
believe they can’t develop breast cancer, and even when they suspect something,
cultural barriers and lack of awareness keep them from seeking help.”
This stigma, coupled with limited
diagnostic resources, means most cases are detected late. In Lusaka, where Dr.
Dhifaoui works, access to advanced imaging—particularly breast-dedicated
ultrasound—is scarce. The only portable breast ultrasound in the country is
restricted to a single surgeon’s research project, leaving most practitioners
reliant on clinical diagnosis alone.
To India: Dr. Kumar’s Precision Radiotherapy
Boaz arrived having completed
surgery and chemotherapy in Zambia. Dr. Kumar’s team delivered targeted chest
wall radiation using Deep Inspiratory
Breath Hold (DIBH) techniques—a method that immobilizes the chest at a
specific phase of breathing to minimize radiation exposure to the heart and
lungs.
“Technology must be as much about
precision as it is about access,” Dr. Kumar said. “We use techniques that limit
damage to healthy tissue while delivering effective treatment to the cancer
site. But equally important is collaboration—offering expertise to countries
where certain treatments aren’t available, and working with their physicians to
ensure continuity of care.”
Over his career, Dr. Kumar has
treated approximately 15 male breast cancer patients, a number that has risen
in recent years as awareness grows. He underscores that early detection, even
in men, is possible and cost-effective when self-examination is encouraged.
From New York: Dr. Bard’s Global Imaging Leadership
Dr. Bard’s role in Boaz’s story was
to spotlight the collaborative model itself: connecting clinicians in different
countries, offering imaging interpretation through teleradiology, and sharing diagnostic protocols. “Thank God for
teleradiology,” he noted. “During COVID, international image sharing allowed us
to co-author textbooks and provide real-time consults across borders. That same
model can be applied to male breast cancer screening everywhere.”
He also addresses a key barrier:
stigma in screening. “Men refuse mammography—it’s uncomfortable, unfamiliar,
and often embarrassing. Portable ultrasound changes the game. We can bring
screening into environments where men feel safe, even remote communities,
without the psychological barrier of a mammogram.”
The Survivor’s Mission: Boaz as African Ambassador
Following his recovery, Boaz
accepted a new role as MBCGA’s African
Ambassador, tasked with finding other male breast cancer survivors and
at-risk individuals in Zambia and beyond. In just months, he has located
several men—despite poor medical recordkeeping—whose stories are now being
documented for awareness campaigns.
“The biggest tragedy,” Boaz said,
“is ignorance. Even at our Cancer Diseases Hospital, the breast cancer pamphlet
only depicts women. Men are told to check for prostate cancer, women for breast
cancer. We have to change that.”
Boaz is now a visible advocate,
bridging patient experiences with medical outreach. He is also working with
MBCGA to translate self-exam guides into Zambia’s main languages so they reach
communities where English is not widely read.
Cheri Ambrose: Driving the Global Mission
As President and Founder of the Male
Breast Cancer Global Alliance, Cheri
Ambrose sees Boaz’s journey as a perfect embodiment of MBCGA’s
mission—uniting medical expertise, patient advocacy, and education across
borders.
“Our strength is in connection,” she
said. “When Dr. Dhifaoui insisted on radiotherapy, when Dr. Kumar delivered it
with precision, and when Dr. Bard reinforced the importance of early
imaging—all of that came together to save one life. Now, Boaz is out there
saving others.”
Under Ambrose’s leadership, MBCGA
has expanded its network of clinical advisors, launched targeted awareness
campaigns, and leveraged survivor stories to dismantle the myth that breast
cancer is solely a women’s disease. The International Institute for Men’s
Cancers will serve as a hub for these efforts, hosting webinars,
facilitating clinical collaborations, and driving public health initiatives in
underserved regions.
Breaking Barriers, Building Solutions
The Zambia–India–U.S. collaboration
that saved Boaz’s life is a blueprint for addressing global health disparities:
- Cross-border referrals ensure patients receive treatments unavailable in
their home countries.
- Technology sharing—like portable ultrasound and DIBH radiotherapy—brings
advanced care to more people.
- Patient advocacy combats stigma and accelerates diagnosis.
- Teleradiology and virtual
conferencing connect clinicians worldwide
for real-time decision-making.
For Dr. Dhifaoui, the solution lies
in outreach and equipment access. For Dr. Kumar, it’s about education and
treatment planning. For Dr. Bard, it’s a matter of integrating non-invasive
imaging into everyday healthcare. For Boaz, it’s personal—turning survival into
service.
Looking Ahead
MBCGA’s 2025 agenda includes
expanding ultrasound screening programs in Africa and Asia, training clinicians
in advanced imaging, and promoting early detection through culturally tailored
education campaigns. The organization is actively seeking partnerships with
ministries of health, cancer hospitals, and NGOs to replicate the success of
the Zambia–India–U.S. alliance in other regions.
As Dr. Bard observed, “There’s more
than one answer to cancer. The key is sharing them.”
Conclusion
Boaz’s survival is more than a
medical success—it’s a testament to what happens when nations unite for a
common cause. In the words of Cheri Ambrose, “Every life saved becomes a voice
that can save another.” With the combined force of the Male Breast Cancer
Global Alliance, the International Institute for Men’s Cancers, and dedicated
professionals like Dr. Dhifaoui, Dr. Kumar, and Dr. Bard, the future holds a
clear message: no man should face
breast cancer alone, and no country should fight it in isolation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part2:
India’s Radiotherapy Revolution: Precision,
Accessibility, and Innovation
By: Yaron Kissoon, PhD / HealthTech Reporter (Cancer Educational Branch)
India is entering a new era in
cancer care. The nation is rapidly adopting advanced radiotherapy technologies,
blending precision with access, and pioneering novel diagnostic and treatment
strategies—especially for rare cancers like male breast cancer. At the
forefront, institutions such as the Tata
Memorial Centre (TMC) are setting benchmarks in innovation. Since
installing India’s first linear accelerator in 1978, TMC has continued to lead
the way—introducing proton therapy in a government setup by 2023, and expanding
telemedicine, robotic surgery, PET-CT, and CAR-T cell therapy programs [1].
Similarly, at AIIMS Raipur, the introduction of an
automated radiotracer production facility—with PSMA, DOTA, FAPI, and Exendin
PET tracers—is elevating diagnostic precision across cancers, including
prostate, neuroendocrine, and breast tumors [2].
In Uttar Pradesh, the Mahamana
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital recently received two modern linear
accelerators, a robotic surgical unit, and a 128-slice CT scanner—all aimed at
transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment for underserved patients [3].
Branches in other regions are not
far behind: Cama Hospital in Mumbai
has restored radiotherapy capability with a new linear accelerator—now offering
precise, free treatment to patients who previously had to rely on overburdened
facilities [4]. In the northeast, the Dr.
B Barooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati recently opened four advanced
radiotherapy cabins, significantly enhancing regional infrastructure [1].
Plans are already in motion to
elevate care further: the Kidwai
Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) in Bangalore has proposed a proton
therapy center to serve over 120,000 annual patients, optimizing tumor
targeting and reducing collateral damage [5].
Beyond hardware, a new generation of
precision radiotherapy techniques,
like IMRT, IGRT, and adaptive radiotherapy, are being deployed nationwide,
including in rural centers. These tools allow higher radiation doses focused
precisely on tumors, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and improving
treatment outcomes [6].
Turning to rare male
cancers—especially male breast cancer—India is making notable strides. Though
uncommon, male breast cancer comprises about 1 percent of all breast
malignancies. A retrospective Indian study reported that over 10 years, 1.03%
of registered breast cancer cases were male—a figure rising slightly over time
[7]. Despite its rarity, the 5-year survival in India is estimated around 56%
[8]. Tackling these cases requires greater clinical vigilance and the
deployment of precise radiotherapy techniques—where recent developments in the
field offer hope.
References
1.
Tata Memorial Centre’s innovations:
proton therapy, PET-CT, CAR-T.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Memorial_Centre
2.
AIIMS Raipur: advanced radiotracer
infrastructure. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panacea_Medical_Technologies
3.
MPMMCC & HBCH in UP: new linear
accelerators and robotic surgery.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Memorial_Centre
4.
Cama Hospital, Mumbai: restored
radiotherapy via new linac. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/cancer-patients-can-now-receives-radiation-therapy-at-cama-hospital/articleshow/122146168.cms
5.
KMIO’s proposed proton therapy
center.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/proton-therapy-centre-planned-at-kmio/articleshow/121736559.cms
6.
India’s leap in radiotherapy through
IMRT, IGRT, adaptive techniques.
https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/india-is-witnessing-a-leap-in-cancer-care-thanks-to-technological-advancements-in-radiotherapy/448646/
7.
Male breast cancer incidence in
India. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4809860/
8.
Male breast cancer survival data in
India. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11271170/
Part 3:
For Immediate Release
MBCGA Unites Zambia, India, and
U.S. in Global Effort to Save Lives from Male Breast Cancer
This initiative brought together Dr. Sihem Dhifaoui, a
general surgeon with Zambia’s Ministry of Health; Dr. Kiran Kumar,
Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda in Hyderabad,
India; and Dr. Robert Bard, Chief Diagnostic Officer of Bard
Cancer Diagnostics in New York and Senior Director of Cancer Imaging for MBCGA.
Each played a critical role in ensuring Boaz’s diagnosis, treatment, and
recovery—while setting a precedent for international patient care coordination.
From
Zambia: Early Diagnosis Against the Odds
Boaz’s journey began when he
detected a lump during his daily routine. In Zambia, male breast cancer cases
are rare, with stigma and lack of awareness often delaying diagnosis. Dr.
Dhifaoui, who has served in Zambia since 2013, was the first to manage a male
breast cancer case from start to finish under her care.
“In Zambia, the biggest challenge isn’t only technology—it’s the stigma,”
Dr. Dhifaoui explained during the meeting. “Men believe they cannot get breast
cancer, and when symptoms appear, many stay silent. We must break this barrier
with education and better access to diagnostic tools.”
With limited access to dedicated breast ultrasound, Dr. Dhifaoui relied on
clinical diagnosis to detect Boaz’s cancer and advocated for radiotherapy,
despite contrary opinions, ultimately securing him a place in a treatment
program abroad.
From
India: Precision Radiotherapy Saves Lives
Due to equipment limitations in
Zambia, Boaz traveled to India for his radiotherapy at Yashoda Hospitals. Under
Dr. Kiran Kumar’s supervision, he received advanced chest wall treatment using Deep
Inspiratory Breath Hold (DIBH) techniques—reducing radiation exposure
to the heart and lungs.
“Technology must be as much about precision as it is about access,” Dr.
Kumar said. “We’re committed to working with colleagues worldwide to provide
safe, targeted treatments for rare and complex cancer cases.”
India has treated an increasing number of male breast cancer patients in
recent years, with Dr. Kumar personally overseeing around 15 such cases. He
stressed the importance of self-examination and early detection, especially in
men, as cost-effective measures for improving survival rates.
From
the United States: Driving Global Diagnostic Collaboration
Joining the meeting from New York,
Dr. Bard highlighted the role of advanced non-invasive imaging—such as portable
ultrasound and thermal imaging—in early detection. His expertise in teleradiology
enables remote interpretation of scans from anywhere in the world, ensuring
timely diagnoses even in low-resource settings.
“Men often refuse mammography due to discomfort and stigma,” Dr. Bard
explained. “Portable ultrasound allows screening to come to the patient, even
in rural or underserved areas, without those barriers.”
Boaz:
Survivor Turned Advocate
Now cancer-free, Boaz was recently
named MBCGA’s African Ambassador. He is committed to finding
other male breast cancer survivors in Zambia, documenting their stories, and
advocating for awareness campaigns in local languages.
“The biggest tragedy is ignorance,” Boaz stated. “Our hospital pamphlets
only show women when talking about breast cancer. Men must be included in the
conversation if we’re going to save lives.”
MBCGA’s
Vision for the Future
MBCGA President Cheri
Ambrose praised the collaboration as a model for future initiatives.
“When physicians from three countries can work together to save one life, it
proves the power of global connection. Boaz’s survival story will inspire
change and awareness for men worldwide.”
The International Institute for Men’s Cancers will serve as a
central hub for such collaborations, providing education, research exchange,
and public awareness programs aimed at dismantling the myths and stigma
surrounding male breast cancer.
About the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance
The MBCGA is a worldwide advocacy organization dedicated to education,
awareness, and support for male breast cancer patients, survivors, and their
families. Through global partnerships, clinical collaboration, and survivor
leadership, the Alliance works to ensure that no man faces breast cancer alone.
Media
Contact: Grciella Davi, Media
Coordinator- MBCGA. Email:
Suppport@mbcglobalalliance.org
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