Adam Ramsey, 48, from Ipswich, was diagnosed with breast cancer after noticing an inverted nipple – but NHS forms asked if he was menopausal
A man who was questioned by the NHS about whether he was menopausal is supporting calls for increased awareness that men also develop breast cancer. Adam Ramsey, 48, was among approximately 400 men diagnosed with the condition last year.
He reached out to his GP after spotting an inverted nipple and was given forms intended for female patients.
He was asked about the date of his last period and if he was experiencing menopause. Another resource he came across when contemplating how to inform his 10 year old daughter Mia was titled ‘Mummy Has A Lump’.
Adam, from Ipswich, is sharing his story as a report discloses that two-thirds of men are unaware they can get breast cancer.
He stated: “Going online for help was quite challenging as well. A lot of the major breast cancer resources, charities, organisations are all geared towards women – as they should be because there are an awful lot more women who get breast cancer than men. But there was very little, if any, information for men.”, reports the Express.
Adam spotted his inverted nipple in November 2025. His wife Nicki, who worked in the radiotherapy department at their local hospital, encouraged him to consult a doctor.
His stage one breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed last Christmas Eve following a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.
Adam underwent a mastectomy, which removed 464g of tissue, followed by radiotherapy. He revealed: “They removed a tumour that was just a bit smaller than a golf ball. I had no idea it was there. The inverted nipple was the slam dunk symptom, according to the hospital. But I had no idea that could even be a thing for a guy.”
Despite receiving the all-clear, Adam now lives with a seroma – a pocket left post-surgery where fluid accumulates and requires draining – and lymphedema in his left arm, leading to swelling.
He praised his hospital care as “first class” but noted that many resources and messages from well-intentioned charities primarily focused on women. He once attempted to join a breast cancer charity bike ride, but was excluded due to his gender.
Adam emphasised that he doesn’t want to “take any light away from breast cancer for women…but it does need to be noted that men have breasts too, and men can get breast cancer”.
He is currently backing Moobs, the UK’s inaugural breast cancer organisation for men. A survey conducted for the first Moobs Report found that only 42% of 2,000 respondents knew that breast cancer could affect men.
Awareness was lower among men than women, at 33% compared to 51%. Younger individuals were the least informed, with merely 21% of 18 to 24-year-olds recognising it.
James Richards, the founder of Moobs, commented: “These findings confirm what many men affected by breast cancer have been saying for years.
“Too many do not realise breast cancer can affect them, while those who are diagnosed still encounter information and support that fail to reflect their experiences. I know because I was one of them – when I was diagnosed at 36, I had no idea men could get breast cancer.”
The report advocates for the inclusion of men in the language and imagery used in public awareness campaigns about the disease.
It also proposes that breast cancer organisations should assign someone the responsibility of including men, and that health services should reassess forms, leaflets, websites and support information provided to male patients.
Ross McLean, a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Tyne and Wear, who is cited in the report, stated: “If men do not know breast cancer can affect them, why would they think to seek help when they notice a change?”.
“The more we talk about breast cancer in men through campaigns and increased media representation, the more likely we are to reach someone earlier, encourage them to seek advice and ultimately improve outcomes.”
James added: “This report shows how widespread the awareness gap remains and sets out practical steps to address it. There is no silver bullet, so I am calling on breast cancer organisations, health professionals and support providers to work with Moobs and men with lived experience to turn these recommendations into real change.”
An NHS spokesperson advised: “Patients should only be asked questions that are relevant to their care. Breast cancer is rare in men, but it does happen, so any man who notices a lump in their chest or armpit, or changes in their nipple or chest that are not normal to them, should contact their GP without delay.”