Male Breast Cancer Survivor Breaks the Stigma

When Zachary Ward first noticed soreness in his nipple in 2021, breast cancer was the last thing on his mind. 

“I had a sore nipple for approximately two years,” Ward told Spectrum News 1 reporter Aliah Keller. “And finally, the pain got too much.” 

When Ward decided to have it examined, his insurance company initially denied the request for a mammogram, claiming he was too young to have breast cancer—especially as a man. Despite the setback, Ward fought to get the mammogram, and eventually, he received his diagnosis: breast cancer. 

His treatment included 20 weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. Ward also underwent a double mastectomy to remove the cancer entirely. 

Ward’s breast cancer surgeon at OhioHealth, Deepa Halaharvi, DO, said that his experience, while unique, isn’t as rare as people might think. 

“I am seeing more increased breast cancer in men,” Dr. Halaharvi told Spectrum News 1. The National Breast Cancer Foundation says approximately 2,800 men will face the reality of breast cancer this year. 

Dr. Halaharvi said the risk factors in men are similar to those in women. 

“I think the commonalities would be obesity, which again, has estrogen in the fat cells for people who are obese. Use of alcohol, use of tobacco and environmental factors that we can’t control are also factors,” Dr. Halaharvi said. 

Ward’s treatment ended in April of this year, and now, he's back to one of his favorite activities—playing softball with his daughter. He began playing with her when she was just five years old, and during his treatment, softball became a lifeline. 

“It got you out of the house, got you away from the thoughts of it," Ward said. 

Reflecting on his journey, he admits there was a stigma around his diagnosis. 

“I was more embarrassed because you never hear of men getting breast cancer, so that was weird,” Ward said. 

However, he encourages other men to push past the discomfort and prioritize their health, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

“Get checked. Get it early. Don’t be ashamed. Just go get it done,” he said. 

Taking that step could be lifesaving. 

“You think when you get it, you don’t have a chance anymore, and then you do. It’s a great feeling.” 

To learn more about OhioHealth’s Breast Cancer Care, click here.