Breast cancer is widely perceived as a disease that affects only women, but men can develop it too. This delay in diagnosis can make treatment more challenging, highlighting the need to bring this issue into public conversation. Because of low awareness and social stigma, although rare, male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, largely.
Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust. Career journey and experience Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee.
Education and professional background Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. One of the biggest barriers is the lack of awareness that men even have breast tissue and can develop cancer in it. A painless lump or thickening in the chest area is the most common symptom. Other warning signs may include nipple changes, skin redness or scaling, or discharge. See a doctor promptly if you notice any unusual changes. Several factors can increase the risk of breast cancer in men. These include advancing age, a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations such as BRCA2, hormonal imbalances, obesity, liver disease, and radiation exposure. In India, awareness around genetic risk and family history remains limited, making education even more important. Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, imaging tests, and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer. Treatment approaches are similar to those used in women and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Since most male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, hormone-blocking treatments are often effective. Men diagnosed with breast cancer often face unique emotional and psychological challenges. Feelings of isolation, stigma, and lack of support can impact mental health. Unlike women, there are fewer support groups and public narratives for male breast cancer survivors, which can make coping more difficult. When detected early, breast cancer in men is highly treatable, with good survival outcomes. However, delayed diagnosis remains a major concern. Encouraging men to pay attention to their bodies and seek timely medical care can significantly improve prognosis. Breaking the silence around breast cancer in men is crucial. Greater awareness, open discussions, and inclusive health campaigns can reduce stigma and help men feel comfortable seeking help. It is time to challenge misconceptions and create awareness that breast cancer can affect anyone. By promoting education and encouraging early consultation, we can improve outcomes and support men facing this often-overlooked disease. (Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers. Many men hesitate to seek medical advice due to embarrassment or the misconception that breast cancer is “not a man’s disease. The signs of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women but are often more noticeable due to less breast tissue.
“Men often ignore or misinterpret symptoms such as a lump in the chest, nipple discharge, or skin changes”, says Breast Cancer Specialist Dr Pragati Singhal of Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata, to Health Shots . Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.
Subject expertise With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions. In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.
From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?
