Man Shares Perspective on Undergoing Breast Cancer Screening

Writer Zachary Bernstein describes feeling like an outsider in the 'woman's world' of mammograms.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:30am

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Writer Zachary Bernstein, who carries the BRCA1 mutation and has a family history of breast cancer, describes his experience getting a routine mammogram as a man. Bernstein found the medical exam itself to be quick and mildly uncomfortable, but was more rattled by how the entire system, from paperwork to clinic staff, seemed geared toward women, making him feel like a 'tourist' in that environment. He uses his story to examine the stigma and lack of awareness around male breast cancer, which has a higher mortality rate than female breast cancer.

Why it matters

Male breast cancer is rare, affecting only 1 in 726 men, but has a 19% higher mortality rate than female breast cancer. Advocates link this disparity to stigma and lack of awareness, as the 'pink' branding and gender norms around the disease can obscure the reality that anyone with breast tissue is at risk.

The details

Bernstein, who learned he carries the BRCA1 mutation, was sent for routine breast cancer screening as a man. While the exam itself was quick and mildly uncomfortable, he was more rattled by how the entire system, from paperwork to clinic staff, seemed geared toward women, reinforcing the idea that men don't belong in that waiting room. Bernstein uses his experience to examine the stigma and lack of awareness around male breast cancer, which has a higher mortality rate than female breast cancer.

  • Bernstein learned he carries the BRCA1 mutation and began routine breast cancer screening.

The players

Zachary Bernstein

A writer who carries the BRCA1 mutation and has a family history of breast cancer.

UCLA Oncologist

A medical expert Bernstein spoke with about the challenges around male breast cancer awareness and treatment.

Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance

An organization the founder of which Bernstein interviewed about the stigma and gender norms surrounding male breast cancer.

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What they’re saying

“How are men supposed to take seriously a disease that bears the name of a body part so associated with the opposite gender when in parts of America, the idea of a man doing anything that can be perceived as feminine is politically charged?”

— Zachary Bernstein, Writer

The takeaway

This story highlights the need for greater awareness and destigmatization of male breast cancer, which is often overlooked due to gender norms and the 'pink' branding associated with the disease. By sharing his personal experience, Bernstein aims to encourage more men to take breast cancer screening seriously and advocate for their health.