This article originally appeared on WANE-15, March 2026.
Breast cancer is often associated with women, pink ribbons and October awareness campaigns, but for a small group of patients, that image doesn’t reflect their reality. Men can and do get breast cancer, despite it being less common. And it's happening more. From 2018 to 2022, the incidence rate of breast cancer in men increased slightly each year, by less than 1% annually. This growth may seem minor statistically, but it becomes personal when it affects those in your community.
After seeing several male breast cancer diagnoses in one week, Dr. Andrew Brown, Breast Surgical Oncology, Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute, reached out to a local resource to find a way to better support this underrepresented population.
Unexpected news
Before Dan Bruning received an official diagnosis, he recalled identifying a lump in his breast tissue, prompting testing.
“The biopsy comes back saying cancer, and I’m thinking breast cancer for a guy—it just didn’t really connect. But that’s the reality of it," Dan said.
His diagnosis shifted dramatically from stage II to stage IV, and then back again after additional testing. Through it all, he leaned on faith, family and his care team.
“You pull your support people around you. And I tell you, the thing that helps me to deal with it is my faith in the Lord God,” he said.
Men in mind
For many, receiving a cancer diagnosis often evokes a complex range of emotions, including stress, anxiety and depression.
“Men need comfort items, too. They are going through the same types of treatments, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.”
That need sparked a new idea at Breastie Boxes, a nonprofit known for delivering pink care packages to patients at the time of diagnosis.
“We know our boxes are pink and that they definitely are curated more to the female patient, but that doesn’t mean that there’s not a place to offer men’s boxes,” Erica Hyatt, Executive Director, Breastie Boxes said.
The idea for a men’s box came together quickly after Dr. Brown reached out. Within about a week and a half, gray Breastie Boxes designed specifically for men were created and delivered to local hospitals.
Like the original care packages, the men’s version focuses on comfort but with a different touch. Items include blankets, tea and practical essentials, along with small symbolic reminders that patients are not alone.
“One of my favorite features, which is not necessarily functional, but is like a subtle nod to the disease, is we have air valve caps for automobiles that have the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon on top of it,” Erica said.
Packed with care
At first, Dan received one of the traditional pink boxes. But when he returned for a surgical discussion, he became the first recipient of the new men’s version, delivered personally by his surgeon, Dr. Brown.
“He brought it out, and he was very excited about delivering and giving it to me,” Dan said.
Dr. Brown said that moment stood out. "It was kind of special, because I had actually packed that box," Dr. Brown shared. “It’s nice because it’s a personal touch knowing that people care that you get through the whole process," he added.
Dan now proudly displays a set of the pink ribbon valve caps on his red truck. He says that for him, receiving the box wasn’t just about what was inside; it was about connection. “I think everybody in this position can use that kind of connection with community,” he said.
That connection is exactly what Breastie Boxes hopes to provide, no matter who the patient is.
“Breast cancer affects everybody. It doesn’t matter,” Erica said. “And for us to be able to continue to help more people, I think, seems very simple, but very much needed and intentional.”
Early detection and treatment
The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a painless lump or swelling behind the nipple. Other symptoms can include discharge from the nipple or a lump or thickening in the armpit.
While routine breast cancer screenings are not recommended for most men, self-exams performed at home can help monitor for abnormal physical changes, especially for individuals with an increased risk, including those who have:
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previous radiation exposure
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a family history of breast cancer in female relatives
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Klinefelter syndrome or a liver disease
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inherited gene mutations such as BRCA
Speak with your provider about your breast cancer risk and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent it.
Curious about your genetic risk for certain cancers? Learn how your DNA affects your health with DNA Insights, a community health research program by Parkview Health. Learn more at parkview.com/DNAInsights.
