For International Men’s Health Month, this reporter set out to document the realities of men diagnosed with breast cancer. The goal was to highlight a demographic often left out of conversations surrounding a disease overwhelmingly associated with women.
Contact was made with three local oncologists to see if any of their male patients would be willing to share their journeys. Six were approached. Every single one of them declined to be interviewed, choosing anonymity over public discussion — a choice reflecting the weight of stigma and privacy concerns surrounding the condition.
Rather than shelving the article, their silence is the story.
Dr Nazreen Bhim, a clinical/radiation Oncologist, weighs in on the situation in an interview with Guardian Media.
“One of the biggest challenges is that many men do not realise they can develop breast cancer,” she explains. “As a result, symptoms may be ignored or dismissed for months. Some may also feel embarrassed seeking medical attention because of the perception that it is exclusively a women’s disease. Unfortunately, this can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.”
According to the World Health Organization and the American Cancer Society, breast cancer in men is rare but recorded, accounting for approximately one per cent of all diagnoses. Because the numbers are low, it receives far less public attention. This leaves many male patients navigating care with limited visibility and support.
High-profile survivors are now helping to break that taboo. Richard Roundtree, famous for his role in Shaft, was diagnosed in 1993 but kept it secret for five years before becoming a trailblazing advocate for other men. Similarly, Mathew Knowles—father of Beyoncé and Solange —disclosed his own diagnosis in 2019 after noticing blood on his clothing. He continues to use his platform to urge men to pursue genetic testing.
Dr Bhim, who trained at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, says male breast cancer remains relatively rare in Trinidad and Tobago. The small numbers make it difficult to track clear year-to-year trends. “However, increasing awareness and improved access to healthcare may be leading to more diagnoses rather than a true increase in incidence.”
The medical focus, she says, must move towards education and dismantling the idea that monitoring breast health is a gendered act.
“If you notice any unusual change in your chest or breast area, do not ignore it,” Dr Bhim implores men. “Most breast lumps are not cancer, but only a medical evaluation can determine the cause. Early detection significantly improves treatment options and outcomes. Breast cancer may be uncommon in men, but it is not impossible, and seeking medical attention early can save lives.”
Advocates continue to call for greater inclusion of male breast cancer in national health initiatives and for healthcare providers to routinely discuss the topic with their patients. Creating safe spaces for men to seek help without judgment could dramatically improve early detection rates across the Caribbean.
Confronting this situation head-on is the only way to ensure that fear stops dictating the timeline of medical care.
There’s work to be done.
Dr Bhim lists the key warning signs:
• A new lump or swelling in the breast or chest area, particularly beneath or around the nipple
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple inversion
• Skin dimpling, redness, or ulceration
• Persistent pain in the breast
• Swelling in the armpit
Your action checklist
● Monitor: Self-check regularly, just as you would for any other physical health change.
● Speak up: If you notice a change, bring it up at your next doctor’s visit — don’t leave it off the list.
● Be your own advocate: If a physician dismisses your concern, seek a second opinion.
