Baseball Coach Turns Male Breast Cancer Surprise into Personal Mission
Juan Namnun discovered a lump in his chest by chance. Now he's raising awareness of a disease most men never think about—male breast cancer.
As a high school baseball coach, Juan Namnun has led young men for the past 26 years. He is now a leader in raising awareness of a disease most men never even think about—male breast cancer.
“Three years ago, I was floating in a pool and the weirdest thing happened,” said Juan, of Delran. “A leaf floated down from a tree, and it landed on my chest. As I brushed it off, I felt a lump.”
Juan initially dismissed it and didn’t mention the lump to anyone. About a month later, Juan’s wife, Lena, felt the mass, and the very next day, he was seen by his physician. He was immediately scheduled for a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the news,” Juan said. "How could I have gotten breast cancer?"
Why Male Breast Cancer Is a Rarely Discussed Disease
Only 2,800 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, many men are diagnosed with later stages of the disease because there are no recommended screenings for men. Most men don’t realize it’s a possibility, and most physicians don’t check their male patients for lumps during annual physicals.
Juan took action and went to see Virtua breast surgeon Lori Timmerman, DO, who is part of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program. She identified a second tumor hidden behind the mass that Juan had felt, and in September 2022, she performed a double mastectomy. Juan is currently receiving endocrine therapy to reduce the risk of a recurrence.
“I know exactly how my patients feel when diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “And for male patients, there is an additional feeling of isolation because breast cancer is primarily considered to affect women, not men.”
How Juan Is Changing the Narrative Around Male Breast Cancer
Now as full of energy as ever, Juan is focused on awareness, encouraging others to conduct self-exams, and talk to their doctors. He is changing the narrative for men—and ultimately saving lives.
“I want to make the journey easier for other men as they go through it,” he explained. “I talk about my cancer experience with my baseball players, so these young men become aware, share the information with their families and friends, and realize it’s not weird to talk about it.”
Juan is actively involved with the American Cancer Society, serving as a national ambassador for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Juan and Lena also founded the Philadelphia Public League Coaches vs Cancer Baseball Fest, an event that brings high school baseball teams together for a day to help “crush” cancer. This year, Juan invited Dr. Timmerman to throw out the tournament’s ceremonial first pitch, where he introduced her as the doctor who saved his life.
“When I was at my lowest point, I read that the true nature of living is living for others. That gave me the strength and motivation to proceed,” said Juan. “I didn’t think three years ago I would be having this much impact, using my voice to help others.”
Exceptional Breast Cancer Care Near You
If you are concerned about breast cancer risk or have noticed changes in skin color, texture or size of the nipple area, talk to your doctor. The Virtua Breast Care team is part of the is part of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program and can see you quickly for a high-risk breast cancer evaluation. Call 888-847-8823 to make an appointment.
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