Bret Miller

Bret miller

Male Breast Cancer Thriver

Founder BM1TMBCH INC dba Male Breast Cancer Happens

USA

Advocate

In April 2003, I was a typical 17-year-old senior in high school—on the football team, working at the local pool and ice rink, living life without a care in the world. Everything changed when I scratched my chest one day and felt a lump behind my right nipple.

Without medical insurance, I had to wait for a school physical night to ask two doctors about the lump. Neither was concerned. "Let's keep an eye on this," they said. "It's a calcium buildup... you're becoming a man... it'll go away." It never did.

The Diagnosis

Seven years later, after graduating from college, I returned to work at the same pool and ice rink from my high school days. When I was promoted to manager and qualified for health insurance, I finally scheduled a checkup. The doctor didn't examine my chest during the routine physical, so I specifically asked him to check the lump. He immediately suggested a sonogram, followed by a mammogram.

On April 27, 2010, the lump was surgically removed. I wasn't worried—none of the doctors seemed concerned, and I figured once it was gone, I was in the clear.

The next day, everything changed. I was in the country club parking lot, about to leave for my second job, when my cell phone rang. The doctor bluntly told me I had breast cancer, then said he'd call back in a few days after reviewing the pathology report more closely. I thought I was being punk'd—surely Ashton Kutcher would emerge from between the cars with cameras. When no one called back immediately, the reality hit.

The first call I made was to my dad, asking him not to tell Mom yet since I was heading to work. That lasted five minutes. Mom called with about 1,000 questions in 30 seconds— mama bear mode activated.

Like most people my age, I turned to Facebook to share the news. It was the easiest way to let friends know about my diagnosis, upcoming surgery, and chemotherapy plans without having to tell everyone face-to-face.

Treatment and Recovery

On May 18, 2010, I underwent a mastectomy to ensure my "new friend" wouldn't return. It was terrifying, but having loved ones in the waiting room made it bearable. Along with breast tissue, my nipple and four lymph nodes were removed. Because of my scar, everyone says it looks like I'm winking at them.

The surgery was successful, and I received incredible news: with clean margins, all the cancer was gone! It was caught early and classified as Stage 1.

Originally, chemotherapy wasn't planned. Given the small tumor size, Stage 1 classification, and lack of spread, chemo was optional. My doctors told me about a new test called OncoType DX that analyzes tumors at a genomic level to determine if chemotherapy is needed and what type would be most effective. It also predicts recurrence odds within  10 years.

The results showed I would benefit from chemotherapy. I had a 22% chance of any cancer returning, and chemo could potentially reduce that by 10%. I said "YES" without hesitation. What were four rounds of potentially painful treatment compared to the possibility of preventing cancer's return? I wanted to live a long, full life with no more interruptions.

When people asked if I was worried about losing my hair, my reaction was, "Really?!" I had just lost a nipple—hair grows back.

My breast cancer was 88% estrogen-based, so I was prescribed Tamoxifen. The side effects were brutal—I was moody, having hot flashes, and unpleasant to be around, though I didn't realize it at first. After six weeks, I was taken off Tamoxifen and switched to Anastrozole, which I still take daily.

Advocacy and Foundation Work

My mission became clear: spread the word that breast cancer doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any age—including men.

On May 19, 2010, I started the Bret Miller 1T Foundation, MBCC Inc., with help from my parents, Peggy and Bob Miller. (Only one T in my name, and now one breast and one nipple for those keeping track—you have to maintain some humor.) The foundation's goal is to raise awareness in colleges and high schools, educating youth that breast cancer can affect anyone.

Male breast cancer survivors share their journeys and teach students to be their own best health advocates. Our message is simple: if you find something that doesn't feel right, talk to a doctor. Don't ignore anything. If you don't like the answer, get a second, third, or fourth opinion. Don't rest until you get the answers you need. Early detection is the first step in fighting breast cancer.

In 2014, we created the Male Breast Cancer Coalition with one goal: ensuring no man ever feels alone when hearing the words "you have breast cancer."

We're also producing a documentary called "Men Have Breasts Too," sharing stories from men who are members of what's usually considered a women's-only club. The film features family members impacted by male breast cancer, medical experts explaining the disease, and aims to spread awareness that men can indeed get breast cancer. We hope it ignites serious discussions about detection and education for male breast cancer.

Living with Purpose

Since my diagnosis, I've always been open about my breast cancer experience. I believe   this happened to me so I could help others. Please help raise awareness by visiting www.malebreastcancerhappens.org. Without your help, men won't know what symptoms     to look for, and some won't be as fortunate as I was.

My life's mission is to spread the word that men can get breast cancer too. Both men and women need to start self-examinations at younger ages because breast cancer is increasingly common in younger people. Remember: MEN HAVE BREASTS TOO.

I never thought it was possible for a man to get what I considered "a woman's disease," but    I know better now. Despite having 15 female cousins with family histories of breast cancer, my BRCA genetic testing showed no mutations, and my prognosis was excellent.

On April 28, 2025, I celebrated my 15th year of survivorship—what I call "Thrivership."

The Return

Sadly, on June 3, 2025, what I always feared became reality. Although I've fought breast cancer successfully for 15 years, it has returned. My cancer is now metastatic, appearing in my lungs and bones, primarily in my torso area. It is HER2 positive.

As of today, I've completed five rounds of radiation for a larger spot on my collarbone and left ribs, plus one round of Enhertu—a HER2-positive targeted treatment consisting of 6-9 rounds every three weeks. This targeted approach is encouraging.

The love and support I've already received is overwhelming and exactly what I need to fuel this fight. I'm fighting not only for myself but for Tasha, Riley, Ryder, and Salvy. To my Mom, Dad, Blake, Bobby, and Morgan—thank you for keeping me going every day.

This won't be easy, but with my family, friends, and my second family at the Carriage Club,

I will kick cancer's ass again.

A Final Message

Before I close this update, I want to remind everyone to be adamant about their health. This recurrence started as an ongoing cough lasting several months. I visited the doctor’s multiple times and received medications that temporarily stopped the cough. Then collarbone pain began worsening. Initially, I thought, "This is almost 40—I slept wrong and now have shoulder pain."

When the cough became unbearable and collarbone pain prevented me from raising my arm above my shoulder, I decided enough was enough. I went to the doctor and basically said I wasn't leaving until I got an X-ray. I'm glad I insisted—I received a call about an hour after the scans confirming the cancer's return.

Be your own best advocate because you know your body best. See a doctor, and if they dismiss your concerns, but you still feel something's wrong, demand care and get a second, third, or fourth opinion.

As my good friend Tim Grimes said during his cancer battle several years ago,

I'm still here and I'm #NotGoingAnywhere.

Remember #MenHaveBreastsToo and #TogetherWeWillChangetheWorld.

Bret Miller is a male breast cancer survivor, advocate, and founder of the  Bret Miller 1T Foundation, MBCH Inc., dba Male Breast Cancer Happens. He continues his mission to educate people about male breast cancer while fighting his own battle with metastatic disease.