Raising Awareness About Male Breast Cancer Through TikTok Advocacy
Guest Contributor
When most people think of breast cancer, they picture a pink ribbon, a woman in a hospital gown, or a support group filled with female voices. What often goes unnoticed is that men can and do get breast cancer — and when they do, the stigma and lack of awareness can be just as dangerous as the disease itself. One TikTok creator, Jake Messier, is working to change that by using his platform to raise awareness about male breast cancer and the unique challenges men face in diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Messier, who is now living with stage 4 estrogen receptor–positive invasive ductal carcinoma, didn’t initially think the lump he found in his chest was a cause for concern. Like many men, he didn’t realize that breast cancer could affect him. That delay in seeking medical attention, he later learned, is common — and it can lead to worse outcomes. Messier waited four months before getting checked. Others wait even longer. By the time many men are diagnosed, the cancer has often advanced.
One of the most striking aspects of Messier’s story is how deeply rooted the misconception is that breast cancer is solely a women’s disease. This perception creates a stigma that silences men, making them less likely to talk about symptoms or seek timely care. Messier explains that the cultural framing of breast cancer — from the language in brochures to the design of mammogram offices — reinforces the idea that it’s not something men need to worry about. That sense of exclusion can be isolating, even after diagnosis.
He points out that everything from the color schemes to the pronouns used in patient materials centers women’s experiences. “Every brochure says ‘she’ and ‘her,’” he notes. “Even something as routine as a mammogram feels jarring when it’s not designed with men in mind.” This alienation doesn’t just affect emotional well-being — it can also impact treatment adherence and health outcomes. When patients don’t feel seen or included, staying engaged in their care becomes more difficult.
Despite these challenges, Messier has found purpose in advocacy. Through his TikTok content, he speaks candidly about what it’s like to live with metastatic breast cancer as a man. He uses his voice to reach others who may be in similar situations, hoping to change the narrative around who can get breast cancer. His goal is not only to educate but also to normalize the conversation so that fewer men feel ashamed or invisible.
One of the most powerful elements of Messier’s approach is his emphasis on visibility. He recognizes that his audience is predominantly female — 96%, by his estimate — but he sees value in reaching the remaining 4% who are men. “If 4% are men hearing this message, that’s a win,” he says. By making male breast cancer part of the broader conversation, he’s helping to dismantle the barriers that keep men from seeking help.
Messier’s advocacy also highlights the importance of early detection. Awareness is not just about education; it’s about action. Knowing that men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer is the first step. Understanding that there is nothing shameful about seeking care is the next. The sooner a lump is checked, the better the chances for effective treatment. That’s a message that could save lives.
I found it particularly compelling that Messier continues to share his story despite the emotional and physical toll of living with advanced cancer. His honesty and vulnerability create a space where others can feel less alone. In a digital landscape where content often prioritizes entertainment, his use of TikTok for health advocacy stands out as both meaningful and necessary.
The broader takeaway from Messier’s work is clear: breast cancer awareness must be inclusive. Campaigns, educational materials, and medical environments need to reflect the reality that breast cancer affects people of all genders. By reshaping the narrative, advocates like Messier are not only changing perceptions but also potentially improving outcomes for a group that has long been overlooked.
As awareness grows, so too does the hope that fewer men will face the isolation and delayed diagnosis that Messier experienced. His story is a reminder that visibility matters, language matters, and timely care can make all the difference. For those interested in learning more about cancer updates, research, and education, subscribing to trusted resources can be a valuable step toward staying informed and empowered.
