MOVING THE DIAL WITH MALE BREAST CANCER 2025

  F O R E W O R D 

From Lisbon to Boston: The Expanding Power of Global Advocacy in 2025
by Dr. Robert L. Bard - Diagnostic Imaging Specialist (NYC)

As a clinician who has dedicated his career to early detection, advanced imaging, and the pursuit of equity in cancer care, I have long believed that the greatest breakthroughs occur not only in laboratories or treatment rooms—but at the intersections of people, ideas, and global collaboration. This year, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) has demonstrated that truth louder than ever. From the international stage in Lisbon to the research corridors of Boston, 2025 has become a year of undeniable forward motion for the male breast cancer community.

When Cheri Ambrose represented the MBCGA at the ABC8 Global Conference in Lisbon, she did far more than attend another summit—she advanced the visibility of men in metastatic breast cancer at one of the world’s most influential consensus gatherings. The rollout of the new 10-year ABC Global Charter will shape treatment guidelines, research priorities, and patient quality of life for the next decade. For Cheri to stand in those rooms, ensuring that male patients are not forgotten in a historically woman-focused field, is a testament to both her leadership and the Alliance’s growing global authority.

Cheri has a unique ability to change language, culture, and perception through simple presence and persistent advocacy. The fact that leading clinicians and researchers are now saying “people with metastatic disease” instead of “women” is not a coincidence—it is the result of her consistency and commitment. By collaborating with physicians from Africa, India, Canada, and the U.S., she has expanded pathways for screening, modern imaging techniques, and deeper education of the next generation of doctors who will treat male breast cancer worldwide. These are not symbolic victories—they are structural, lasting changes that will save lives.

And then, just one week later, the momentum continued in Boston, where Cheri and the MBCGA delivered a $10,000 research grant to Dr. José Pablo Leone at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This was more than a donation; it marked the strengthening of a clinical alliance that is pushing male breast cancer research into new territory. The Landesberg family—whose dedication and fundraising made this contribution possible—stands as a model of patient-centered philanthropy. Meeting survivor Rich Loud, a participant in the ETHAN trial, provided a vivid reminder of why research matters. His story embodies both courage and the promise of scientific progress.

Our tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s laboratory underscored what I see every day in my own practice: the future of breast cancer care lies in precision, innovation, and collaboration across borders. Seeing firsthand the molecular and translational science underway at Dana-Farber reaffirmed the importance of supporting institutions that acknowledge male breast cancer as a critical and growing concern.

From the global dialogue in Portugal to the research-driven energy of Boston, the MBCGA continues to extend its reach, accelerate awareness, and forge partnerships that amplify its voice on every continent. These two events—separated by only a few days—demonstrate a rising truth: the world is finally listening.

Advocacy is not measured by the size of the organization, but by the weight of its impact. In 2025, the MBCGA has made that impact impossible to ignore.

  F E A T U R E   S T O R Y 

GLOBAL VOICES, RARE CANCERS AND A NEW ERA OF ADVOCACY

 By the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance

Photo; ABC Global Alliance

On November 6–8, 2025, Lisbon once again became the world’s epicenter for advanced breast cancer dialogue as the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8) convened oncologists, researchers, clinicians, advocates, industry leaders, and global patient representatives. Among them was Cheri Ambrose, President of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), whose organization has become one of the strongest international voices ensuring that men with metastatic disease are recognized, counted, and included.

For Ambrose, ABC8 was far more than a scientific meeting. It represented continuity, momentum, and a renewed 10-year commitment toward a better, more equitable future for all people living with Stage 4 disease. “We worked very hard on the new ten-year charter,” she said. “It was wonderful to see so much of what we put into those two days of work come out in the new charter.” 

Her reflections provide a powerful lens into how global collaboration can shift patient culture, stimulate clinical innovation, and—most importantly—bring long-overdue visibility to male breast cancer.

 

A Conference With Purpose: Reimagining the Next Decade of Advanced Breast Cancer Care

The ABC Global Alliance, founded to unify the international metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community, meets biennially in Lisbon to build consensus around evidence-based guidelines and patient-centered priorities. At ABC8, one milestone dominated the agenda: the rollout of the new 10-year Global Charter, a document designed to influence research, access to care, clinical standards, and patient quality of life through 2035.

This charter, Ambrose emphasized, marks a meaningful shift. For the first time, quality-of-life considerations—such as treatment breaks, dose reductions, and the right to prioritize daily living over toxicity—are formally acknowledged as central to care. “It’s okay to stray away from the norm,” she explained. “Sometimes patients need a treatment holiday or a lower dose if the side effects are too strong.”

This approach reflects a rising global recognition that clinical success cannot be measured by tumor response alone. In metastatic disease, meaningful survival is inseparable from meaningful living.

 

Why Representation Matters: Bringing Men to the Global Stage

Ambrose has long been one of the only international advocates consistently inserting male breast cancer into MBC conversations. ABC8 highlighted how far that advocacy has come. “Dr. Fatima Cardoso has worked very hard for many years focusing on breast cancer in men,” she noted, referencing the ABC Alliance’s director. “She included men in everything she does for the advanced breast cancer community. It’s giving them a voice.” 

Cardoso’s 2018 landmark publication on male breast cancer—identifying biological and clinical differences—remains one of the few major international studies of its kind. But, as Ambrose pointed out, research still suffers from a chronic funding gap due to the rarity of the disease.   This is precisely why representation at conferences like ABC8 is so critical. Ambrose’s presence signals that male breast cancer advocates are organized, engaged, and shaping the decade ahead.

“The fact that people now say people with metastatic disease instead of women—that’s because of her leadership and because we show up,” she said. “Just by being there, it gives credence to the fact that we are one of the largest global organizations working to elevate men in these research studies.”

 

A Global Network That Is Growing—and Listening

One of the most striking developments this year has been the rising number of male breast cancer diagnoses emerging from Africa, particularly Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. For Ambrose, ABC8 was a chance to deepen the relationships that began through online meetings.

Meeting Dr. Godwin from Tanzania in person was a highlight. “He came up to me and it really touched my heart,” she recalled. “We had only met over Zoom. To connect with him in person was wonderful.”  She also connected with young doctors from Uganda, many eager to learn modern imaging methods used in the United States—technologies like elastography, thermal imaging, and advanced ultrasound that are rarely discussed in their training programs.

“These young doctors are the next generation. They’re the ones who will be treating men who may become metastatic,” she said. “Giving them tools for their toolbox can only save more lives.”   The Alliance also expanded collaboration with teams in India, where late-stage presentation remains common and awareness of male breast cancer is extremely limited.

 

The Missing Voices: Governments and Insurers

While ABC8 brought together scientists, clinicians, advocates, and industry partners, Ambrose emphasized there is still one major gap: representation from insurance leaders and government health agencies.

“Imagine choosing between taking your lifesaving medication or putting food on your table,” she said. “Those are the hard decisions patients face. We need more people in power to hear these stories.”  The Global Alliance’s post-conference advocate roundtable—open only to members—was a moment for leaders like Ambrose to articulate this clearly. These insights, compiled and delivered by Dr. Cardoso, help shape policy directions internationally.

 

Why Being There Matters: The Difference Between Zoom and Real Presence

The pandemic normalized virtual meetings. But when asked why she still travels halfway across the world instead of simply logging in, Ambrose’s response was immediate: “You can do it over Zoom, but seeing people—sitting down, sharing a laugh—cannot be replaced.” One example proved her point. At ABC8, she spoke with a physician from Canada about a metastatic breast cancer drug approved in the U.S. but not available to Canadian men. Through that conversation, the doctor connected her with a male breast cancer researcher she never would have met otherwise.

“That conversation would never have taken place on Zoom. I wo have never known this man,” she said. These organic, unexpected connections are often the roots of future collaboration, research opportunities, and patient support breakthroughs.

 

A Global Alliance That Strengthens the MBCGA Mission

For Ambrose and the MBCGA, ABC8 was not simply another conference—it was validation that: Men are finally being recognized in the metastatic space. Global collaboration is expanding rapidly. New research allies in Africa and India are emerging. Younger clinicians want to learn male-specific imaging and diagnostic strategies.

Advocates have a real seat at the table in shaping the next decade of care. Her hope is that the momentum continues—but with even greater emphasis on male metastatic awareness, earlier screening, and increased global access to medicines. “We hope the metastatic community continues to recognize men,” she said. “More men are being diagnosed due to lack of awareness and screening. We need researchers to help us educate others—especially the new doctors coming into this space.”

 

Conclusion: ABC8 and the Road Ahead

The ABC Global Alliance’s motto has always been rooted in unity—uniting data, expertise, patient experience, and global willpower. At ABC8, that unity felt stronger than ever.  From the unveiling of a new 10-year charter centered on quality of life, to the deepening international collaborations that help underserved communities, to the quiet but powerful rise of male breast cancer visibility, this conference represented a turning point.

For Cheri Ambrose and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, ABC8 reaffirmed one essential truth: global change begins when people show up—with their voices, their stories, their passion, and their unwavering commitment to equity. “In-person connection builds the future,” Ambrose reflected. “It’s how lives change. It’s how we save more men. And that can’t be replaced by Zoom.”  As the world moves toward the next decade in metastatic breast cancer care, her message is unmistakably clear: Men belong in this conversation. And the world is finally listening.

 M B C G A   C A N C E R   N E W S  

A Milestone for Male Breast Cancer Research

MBCGA Presents $10,000 to Dana-Farber’s Dr. José Pablo Leone

On November 21, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) marked another historic step in its mission to advance research, visibility, and clinical innovation for men with breast cancer. A small but deeply committed delegation traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, to formally present a $10,000 research grant to Dr. José Pablo Leone and the Male Breast Cancer Research Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—one of the nation’s leading centers pioneering male-specific breast cancer science.

This contribution represents more than a financial gift; it is a symbol of partnership, progress, and the growing global recognition that men with breast cancer deserve dedicated research, tailored treatments, and equitable representation in clinical trials.

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A Gift Made Possible by Community: The Landesberg Fundraiser

Joining MBCGA President Cheri Ambrose on this important visit were Michael Landesberg, his wife Jamie, and their son Sean. It was Michael’s remarkable fundraising initiative—built from personal passion, community outreach, and family commitment—that made this donation possible.

For Ambrose, the presence of the Landesberg family was not only meaningful but symbolic. Their involvement demonstrated how awareness can grow not only through medical institutions, but through the personal stories of families determined to drive change. “Their fundraiser afforded us the opportunity to support research at this level,” Ambrose shared. “This check represents countless conversations, hours, and heart.”

Their act of philanthropy reinforces the message the MBCGA has championed for more than a decade: when families mobilize, research accelerates.

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Meeting a Survivor Who Represents the Future: Introducing Rich Loud, ETHAN Trial Participant**

Another memorable part of the visit was meeting Rich Loud, a recent male breast cancer survivor and participant #9 in Dana-Farber’s ETHAN trial—a groundbreaking study that may help reshape future treatment pathways. Rich’s participation in the ETHAN trial positions him at the intersection of innovation and lived experience. His story reflects both the progress being made and the urgent need for continued investment in male-specific research.

For Ambrose and the MBCGA team, meeting Rich put a human face on the outcome of research dollars and advocacy. He represents thousands of men whose diagnoses remain under-discussed, underfunded, and often misunderstood.

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Behind the Curtain: A Tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s Cutting-Edge Lab

One of the highlights of the visit was a guided tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s laboratory, where some of Dana-Farber’s most promising breast cancer discoveries originate. The group was offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the scientific engines powering new therapies, emerging molecular insights, and experimental approaches that could change the trajectory of male breast cancer care.

Witnessing the depth of innovation—from molecular modeling to targeted drug development—reinforced for the delegation just how essential philanthropic support is. Research is not merely conducted in laboratories; it is powered by them.

Ambrose described the experience as “a sneak peek behind the curtain where the magic happens”—a firsthand reminder of why fundraising and partnership remain central to MBCGA’s mission.

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Strengthening the Bridge Between Advocates and Researchers

The Dana-Farber visit served as a powerful example of what collaboration between patient advocates and clinicians can achieve. For years, male breast cancer has been considered a rare condition, often relegated to the margins of breast cancer research. Yet through sustained advocacy, patient representation, and philanthropic momentum, male-focused investigations are finally gaining traction.

Dr. Leone’s research program stands at the forefront of these efforts. By supporting it, the MBCGA affirms its commitment to ensuring that men receive:

• Better data

• Earlier diagnoses

• More precise and inclusive treatments

• Greater access to clinical trials

The MBCGA’s donation sends a message not only to Dana-Farber but to the entire oncology community: research for men with breast cancer is no longer optional—it is essential.

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A Day That Honors the Past and Inspires the Future

The Boston visit encapsulated what the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance has always represented: people taking action, families stepping forward, survivors sharing knowledge, and scientists working tirelessly to advance life-saving solutions.

As Ambrose reflected on the day, she emphasized the importance of building lasting partnerships with institutions that demonstrate a real commitment to male breast cancer research. Dana-Farber is one of those institutions—and November 21 was a moment of progress, unity, and hope.

The $10,000 check was more than a donation. It was a promise. A renewed commitment to men everywhere who deserve answers, better outcomes, and a future shaped by science—not silence.