UNITING VOICES (part 1)- A Global Dialogue Bridging Zambia and the MBCGA

Written by: Gurgos Bimbi / Graciella Davi, PhD (Staff writers of the AngioInstitute.org)

Introduction: A Worldwide Call to Awareness and Action

Male breast cancer may be rare, but its silence is deadly. In many parts of the world, the disease remains shrouded in stigma, myths, and lack of education. On [date of meeting], the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), led by CEO and Founder Cheri Ambrose, Communications Director Dr. Lennard Goetze, and Senior Medical Diagnostics Director Dr. Robert Bard, opened a groundbreaking international conversation with two guests from Zambia: male breast cancer survivor Boaz Musamvu and Dr. Phiri Titus, a dedicated general surgeon who has followed Boaz’s treatment journey.

This virtual meeting embodied MBCGA’s mission—to connect, educate, and empower communities globally, transforming isolated cases into united advocacy. As Ambrose stated, "We are very honored to name Boaz as our ambassador because of his ability to take his journey and make it positive, helping to educate others. Together, we will make a difference."

The Meeting: Building Bridges Across Continents

The session began with a tone of gratitude and shared purpose. Despite time zone differences and patchy connections, the participants came together for one goal: to shed light on the overlooked realities of male breast cancer.

Dr. Goetze opened the dialogue by highlighting the urgent need for awareness campaigns, sharing a recent news report from Uganda urging governments to address rising male breast cancer cases. "The time is right," he noted, emphasizing that the disease, though often considered rare, is claiming men’s lives globally due to late detection and lack of information.

Dr. Titus shared insights from Zambia, where male breast cancer is largely misunderstood. "Commonly, most men will actually present very late," he explained. "They see a lump in their chest and do not believe it can be cancer because they're male. They only come forward when it has metastasized, often with tragic outcomes." The absence of awareness and access to advanced diagnostic tools adds another layer of challenge in regions like Zambia, where ultrasound and CT scans are limited and often unaffordable for patients.

A Survivor’s Journey: Boaz Musamvu’s Testimony

Boaz Musamvu’s story was a powerful centerpiece of the meeting. Diagnosed with male breast cancer in September 2023, Boaz underwent surgery in Zambia, followed by chemotherapy and later traveled to India for radiotherapy. Through mammograms, ultrasounds, CT, and PET scans, his medical journey was one of determination and resilience.

"Along the journey, the biggest challenge has been the absence of awareness that men can get breast cancer too," Boaz shared. "When I walk into hospitals with my wife, they offer the patient’s chair to her, assuming breast cancer cannot be mine. We need to change that narrative."

Boaz’s survival story became more than personal triumph; it became a call to action. His advocacy efforts now include meeting other survivors, recording their stories, and breaking cultural taboos around male breast cancer. "Male breast cancer is real. We need to unite and act now," he said passionately.

Global Knowledge Sharing: Technology, Education, and Hope

Dr. Robert Bard, a leader in advanced cancer diagnostics, highlighted the importance of early detection through non-invasive imaging. "Cancer in men is often ignored because it's seen as a woman’s disease. But with pollution, plastics, and toxins increasing, the risk is real—and early screening is vital," he explained. Bard emphasized how ultrasound technology, particularly portable high-resolution devices, can stage cancer accurately and affordably, even in low-resource settings.

Dr. Goetze proposed future collaborations to introduce telemedicine and teleradiology solutions, connecting local doctors in Zambia with global experts for real-time imaging review. "Part of our relationship is being ambassadors of better health, medicine, and science. Technology is only useful if it reaches people where they are," he said.

Dr. Titus expressed hope for this partnership. "We need education, we need to break myths, and we need support. Meeting you gives us strength to reach even the furthest places with this information," he stated, acknowledging MBCGA’s efforts to unite global expertise for local impact.

Mapping Male Breast Cancer: A Worldwide Community of Advocates

The meeting also unveiled MBCGA’s ongoing initiative to map male breast cancer cases globally. The map currently has only a handful of pins in Africa, highlighting a critical gap in data collection and awareness. "Boaz, we need your help to add more pins," said Dr. Goetze. "The more information we gather, the more we can provide resources, care, and hope. This is not just about numbers—it’s about saving lives."

MBCGA’s vision is clear: to dismantle myths, encourage early detection, and create a supportive network where men can speak openly about their diagnosis. As Ambrose reminded, "We've seen lives saved and lives lost simply because of awareness—or the lack of it. We’re building a family where no one faces this disease alone."

Conclusion: A Shared Mission Beyond Borders

The meeting between MBCGA and its new partners in Zambia was more than an exchange of words; it was the foundation of a shared mission. In a world where male breast cancer is still dismissed or hidden, this conversation bridged continents and cultures to fight ignorance, stigma, and fear.

Through Boaz’s courage, Dr. Titus’s dedication, Dr. Bard’s expertise, and MBCGA’s global platform, the message was unmistakable: male breast cancer is real, it is treatable, and it deserves urgent, worldwide attention. The collaboration promises not only better education and resources for Zambia but also strengthens the global movement for men everywhere. "In this part of the world, cancer is synonymous with death. This is real. One day, while waiting to see a doctor for review, other patients expressed total disbelief when I agreed with a male nurse that indeed breast cancer was treatable. This lack of knowledge is a danger to overcoming the threat of breast cancer. Being a survivor myself, I am evidence that male breast cancer is treatable if detected early. It is time to dispel this belief."

"This is just the beginning," Boaz affirmed, pledging to continue recording survivor stories and growing awareness in his region. Dr. Titus echoed this sentiment: "We are grateful to be part of this family. Together, we will save many lives."

MBCGA’s international outreach is proving that advocacy knows no borders. By uniting survivors, doctors, and communities worldwide, the alliance is building a future where no man feels isolated in his diagnosis, and every voice counts in the fight against male breast cancer.