men and breast cancer – Urban City Podcast Group

Breaking the Silence: Male Breast Cancer Survivor Larry Roberts Inspires Awareness and Action

Mari Michelle — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 03:10:33 +0000

Major Takeaways:

Larry Roberts’ journey highlights the urgent need for awareness that men can develop breast cancer too.
Early detection and speaking up about symptoms can save lives by removing stigma and encouraging timely care.
Larry’s resilience and advocacy transform personal survival into a broader mission of education and empowerment.

Breaking the Silence: Male Breast Cancer Survivor Larry Roberts Inspires Awareness and Action

When you picture breast cancer, most people see women’s faces, pink ribbons, survivor walks, mothers and daughters arm in arm. But Larry Roberts, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong athlete from Iowa, is breaking that picture wide open.

In September 2023, Larry noticed something unusual. “I wasn’t expecting a breast cancer diagnosis,” he recalls. Yet that’s exactly what came, and it came fast. “Everything was happening so quickly, like I was in a blender,” he said. “I could tell from the reactions of the doctors that cancer seemed to be the road we were heading down.”

It was the kind of moment that could shatter a man’s sense of self. Larry had spent decades on the softball diamond, active and fit, proud of his energy and endurance. The idea of having breast cancer, something rarely discussed among men, didn’t fit the image he’d always carried of himself. “I wasn’t a big ‘go to the doctor guy,’” Larry admits. But that choice to get checked changed everything.

In December 2023, he underwent a right-side mastectomy and the removal of nine lymph nodes. Two tested positive for cancer. Treatment followed: chemotherapy, radiation, the full gauntlet. He finished his last round on March 27, 2024.

“During chemo, surgery, and radiation, my one goal was to get back to normal,” he said. “But I soon realized nothing is normal after cancer.”

That realization wasn’t defeat. It was a turning point. “Getting back to doing what I love, playing softball and golf, was like a carrot dangling in front of me. It kept me going.”

Larry’s genetic tests came back negative for BRCA mutations, but his curiosity and awareness grew. “It was a relief that my cancer wasn’t genetic,” he said, “but it makes you wonder how you got the short end of the stick. I try not to dwell on it.”

Instead, Larry turned his focus outward. With his wife’s encouragement, he created a Facebook page to keep friends and family updated through treatment. “At one point, we were getting so many calls that my wife suggested we post updates online,” he said. What began as a way to share progress became something much deeper, connection. He met other survivors, men and women, and began to see his story as a bridge for awareness.

In April 2024, Larry spoke at the annual MercyOne Breast Cancer Symposium as part of the survivor panel. His message was simple but urgent: men get breast cancer too. “I never felt like cancer was going to be the end of me,” he said. “I always tried to view it as only a speed bump in my life.”

That outlook became his rally cry. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, fewer than one percent of all breast cancer cases in the U.S. occur in men. Yet many men don’t know they’re at risk or feel embarrassed to bring up symptoms. “Men can get breast cancer too,” the Foundation states. “They may not tell a doctor because they’re embarrassed or worried.”

Larry’s story cuts right through that silence. “If you feel something, don’t wait,” he urges. “Don’t let the word ‘too tough’ stop you. Get checked, get care, ask questions. That’s how you turn the speed bump into a marker of what you’re still capable of.”

Even as his treatment ended, Larry’s mission continued. He returned to softball and golf, slower at first, but with renewed gratitude. He still posts updates, sharing not just his recovery but reminders to other men to stay aware and proactive.

“I treat the diagnosis as an impetus, not a defeat,” Larry says. “It’s about helping make visible the often overlooked reality of male breast cancer.”

His story is proof that survival isn’t just about treatment. It’s about transformation. Larry’s journey shows what happens when courage meets community, when a private fight becomes a public purpose.

Today, he’s back on the field, back on the course, and back to living with intention. And for every man who thinks breast cancer is someone else’s disease, Larry Roberts has a message: think again.

Say His Name: Kelvin Woods Breast Cancer Awareness Story of Strength and Survival

Mari Michelle — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:00:30 +0000

Major Takeaways:

Kelvin Woods turned his Stage 2 male breast cancer diagnosis into a mission for awareness, advocacy, and unity.
His story challenges the stereotype that breast cancer is only a women’s disease.
Through openness, music, and community outreach, Kelvin empowers men to take charge of their health and talk openly about breast cancer.

Say His Name: Kelvin Woods Breast Cancer Awareness Story of Strength and Survival

When you meet Kelvin Woods of Oregon, you don’t see a victim, you see a victor. A man who took the words “male breast cancer” and flipped them into a rallying cry for awareness, unity, and change.

Like so many men, Kelvin never imagined the lump above his right nipple could mean cancer. “At first, I thought maybe it was a bug bite,” he said. “But it didn’t itch.” A month later, his girlfriend noticed it too, and that small moment of concern became the first step toward saving his life.

A doctor visit led to a biopsy. The diagnosis: Stage 2 male breast cancer.

Kelvin’s story didn’t stop there, it ignited there. He underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, followed by ten years of hormone therapy. But rather than retreat into silence, he went public. He turned his story into purpose, showing men everywhere that awareness isn’t weakness, it’s strength.

“What’s the first word that comes to my mind when someone says, ‘male breast cancer?’ Victory!” Kelvin said. “For me, I just thought it was a way to raise awareness and get people talking.”

And talk he did. Through his community work, his music, and his role as a DJ at Portland’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Kelvin became a one-man campaign of courage. He wore pink ribbons with pride, sparking conversations in barbershops, gyms, and men’s groups where such topics rarely surface.

“I’ve been open and frank with my kids, friends, even strangers,” he said. “It’s important for people to know it’s possible for men to get breast cancer.”

Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases, but Kelvin insists rarity doesn’t mean irrelevance. His message to men, especially in the Black community, is direct and unfiltered:

“The Black male population, we’re a tough, macho group. We’re not always proactive. Don’t wait for anything in your body to go wrong, guys.”

Kelvin’s openness isn’t just about survival, it’s about rewriting the script. He wants men to see that pink is not a gender; it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that early detection saves lives, no matter who you are.

Even with ongoing treatment, Kelvin’s focus is on life, legacy, and living intentionally.

“I’ve learned to appreciate life itself, to pay more attention to family and time,” he said. “I feel like this is a calling for me.”

He’s not ashamed of his scars. He’s not hiding behind fear. He’s standing tall in awareness, and he wants the world to say his name.

Kelvin Woods is proof that breast cancer awareness isn’t just for women. It’s for all of us.
Because if it happened to him, it can happen to you.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October Inspires Prevention and Hope

Gerold Girbeau — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:40:20 +0000

Major Takeaways

Early detection through mammograms and self-exams drastically improves survival rates.
Support networks and survivor stories highlight the importance of community involvement.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October pushes prevention, education, and advocacy beyond a single month

Standing Strong: Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October Inspires Prevention and Hope

Every October, the world turns pink as communities unite for Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a campaign that carries more weight than ribbons and slogans. It’s about education, early detection, support for survivors, and fighting back against one of the most common cancers impacting women worldwide.

While advances in research and treatment have improved survival rates, the reality remains sobering: breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women globally, with over 2 million new cases reported every year. In the United States alone, about one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. Awareness and early detection remain the sharpest tools we have in reducing mortality.

Why October Matters

October isn’t just about pink merchandise or charity runs—it’s about taking a hard look at our health. The month serves as an annual reminder for women (and men, who can also be diagnosed) to schedule mammograms, perform regular self-exams, and learn the risk factors.

Health organizations, local clinics, nonprofits, and survivor networks use the month to amplify stories, share resources, and push forward research funding. For many families, October is personal: it’s a time to remember loved ones lost, celebrate survivors, and rally communities to fight harder for cures and support systems.

The Power of Early Detection

When detected early, breast cancer can often be treated successfully. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is 99%. But those odds fall sharply if the cancer spreads to other organs. That’s why early detection remains a lifesaving strategy.

Key Steps for Prevention and Detection:

Self-exams: While not a replacement for medical screening, becoming familiar with your own breast tissue helps you notice changes quickly.
Mammograms: Women over 40 are encouraged to schedule annual mammograms, though family history may warrant earlier and more frequent screening.
Genetic Testing: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly raise risk. Testing and counseling can guide preventive measures.
Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can reduce risk factors.

Treatment Advances and Survivor Stories

Treatment for breast cancer has come a long way from one-size-fits-all approaches. Today, doctors rely on precision medicine—targeted therapies based on the cancer’s unique biology. Options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations tailored to the patient.

Equally important are the voices of survivors. Their stories of resilience are more than inspirational—they’re proof of what’s possible when early detection, access to care, and community support align. Many survivors become advocates, reminding others that breast cancer is not a death sentence if caught early and treated properly.

Men and Breast Cancer: Breaking the Silence

While breast cancer is most associated with women, men are not immune. About 1 in 833 men will develop breast cancer in his lifetime. The problem? Many men ignore the symptoms, chalking them up to minor health issues. Awareness campaigns in October are beginning to highlight this overlooked reality, pushing for gender-inclusive conversations about detection and treatment.

Community and Support Networks

Breast cancer takes more than a physical toll—it affects families emotionally, financially, and socially. That’s why support networks are crucial. From local nonprofits offering rides to treatment, to national organizations funding research and patient assistance programs, resources are available year-round.

This October, communities across the nation will host awareness walks, educational seminars, and fundraising drives. These events do more than raise money—they build solidarity. They remind patients that they are not alone, and they give families a space to connect with others who understand their struggle.

Taking Action Beyond October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is powerful, but the mission doesn’t end on October 31. Advocacy, prevention, and support are needed every day. For individuals, that means:

Scheduling regular checkups.
Talking openly with healthcare providers about risks.
Supporting local and national organizations fighting breast cancer.
Being there for friends and family members navigating treatment or recovery.

The Bottom Line

Breast cancer is a formidable enemy, but it is not unbeatable. Awareness leads to action, and action saves lives. This October, wear pink if you like—but more importantly, take steps that truly matter: schedule that mammogram, learn the signs, donate if you can, and support those in the fight.

Because breast cancer doesn’t wait until October. And neither should we.