On October 20, 2024, I crossed the finish line at the Amsterdam Marathon with a qualifying time for both Chicago and Boston. Just six weeks later, on November 30, I felt a lump in my armpit that would change the course of my life. Two days after Christmas, the call came: I had male breast cancer.
Looking back, the warning signs were there. In August, I noticed what seemed like a small cyst under my right nipple. I had dealt with cysts before – even as a child – and they always disappeared on their own. I assumed this one would too.
As the weeks passed, my nipple began to flatten. I didn’t know at the time that nipple inversion can be a sign of breast cancer in men. When I eventually found the lump under my arm, on the same side as the cyst, I knew I couldn’t ignore it.
The diagnosis: Stage 2 HR+ HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer in both men and women, with at least one lymph node involved. My initial treatment plan included chemotherapy, breast cancer surgery, and radiation therapy.
I always knew I’d seek a second opinion at a major cancer center. That led me to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Dr. Jose Pablo Leone, who directs their Program for Breast Cancer in Men.
There, I was offered the chance to join the ETHAN Clinical Trial, designed specifically for men with breast cancer. Instead of beginning with chemotherapy, the trial started with endocrine therapy and aromatase inhibitors to block the hormones that fueled the cancer. By the end of that visit, I became participant number nine.
That decision gave me clarity, direction, and purpose. It turned fear into focus and a nightmare into an opportunity to contribute to research for other men like me.
Over the next nineteen weeks, I was treated with Anastrozole, Degarelix, and Abemaciclib. These drugs are part of hormone therapy for breast cancer, and for men they can be particularly effective in slowing the disease.
Through it all, I kept running. I logged training miles and even completed four marathons during treatment. At each visit, my doctors were surprised – and encouraged – when I told them how many races I had added since the last appointment.
On June 30, I underwent breast cancer surgery – a unilateral mastectomy- with six lymph nodes removed. Radiation therapy followed in August and September: sixteen treatments in total.
As soon as my surgeon cleared me, I returned to marathon training. I refused to miss the Chicago Marathon in October or the New York City Marathon in November, where I ran with a charity bib supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
My journey with breast cancer began just after one finish line. And I intend to keep crossing them – whether they’re marathons or milestones – because every stride forward is part of the fight against breast cancer for all of us.
At Learn Look Locate, we know how vital it is to share male and female breast cancer survivor stories. Too often, male breast cancer is overlooked. Richard’s courage helps break the silence and spread awareness worldwide.
We invite you to visit our Male Breast Cancer page featuring medical insights from Dr. Yara Robertson, along with survivor advocates Harvey Singer and Rod Ritchie, who continue to lead the global conversation about breast cancer in men.
Q. What are the signs of breast cancer in men?
A: The most common signs include a lump or swelling in the chest, nipple inversion, skin changes, or discharge. Richard experienced both a lump under his arm and nipple inversion, which were early warning signs he didn’t recognize at first.
Q. Can men get invasive ductal carcinoma?
A: Yes. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer in both men and women. Richard was diagnosed with Stage 2 HR+ HER2- IDC.
Q. Do men undergo breast cancer surgery like women?
A: Yes. Surgery is a standard treatment for male breast cancer. Richard had a unilateral mastectomy with lymph node removal. You can learn more about what to expect on our Breast Cancer Surgery page.
Q. Do men receive radiation after a mastectomy?
A: Radiation is often recommended for men after surgery, depending on lymph node involvement or tumor size. Richard completed sixteen sessions of radiation therapy after his mastectomy.
Q. Can men take aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer?
A: Yes. Aromatase inhibitors and other hormone therapies can be effective in treating male breast cancer, particularly when tumors are hormone receptor positive. Richard’s treatment included Anastrozole, a type of aromatase inhibitor. Learn more on our Aromatase Inhibitors page.
Q. How common is breast cancer in men?
A: Male breast cancer is rare, making up less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses. However, sharing stories like Richard’s helps bring awareness and support to men who may otherwise feel isolated.
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