Reston Hospital Honors Glenn Kamber on World Cancer Day

Northern Virginia native and current Reston, Virginia resident, Glenn Kamber, 78, had an extensive medical history, previously treated for numerous conditions often associated with age and obesity: high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and a heart arrythmia, but in April 2024, it was an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis that really shocked him. 

 “I had a lump on my left breast that was benign two years previously and when it did not go away, my internist, Dr. John Valenti, Virginia Cancer Specialists, referred me to the Women’s Diagnostic Center across from Reston Hospital Center. I had a biopsy redone and it had become malignant,” Kamber shared.

In the U.S., less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men, according to the American Cancer Society.  The risk of breast cancer is much lower in men than in women with the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer about 1 in 1,000 for men in the U.S. compared to 1 in 8 for women in the U.S, a study from the Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute found. 

The cancer had spread to his underarm lymph nodes and there was concern it had metastasized to other lymph nodes in his body.  After having a mastectomy, he was referred to the Outpatient Radiation Oncology Department at Reston Hospital Center for 25 days of radiation on his left breast and affected underarm lymph node area that had been removed.  From September-October 2024, Mr. Kamber, attended radiation treatments with weekly appointments with Dr. Shaan Zakaria and his nurse and a six-week post-radiation follow-up session.  

“While I was initially overwhelmed by and scared of my cancer diagnosis, the radiation staff helped me calm down, learn new coping skills, and become more knowledgeable of what I must now confront and live with more positively,” Kamber said. “Dr. Zakaria made himself available to me and my wife to answer questions about the whole course of treatment (before radiation, during, and after).  He spent two hours addressing our issues and concerns during the initial visit.  His nurse, Julie, made herself equally available and because of her attentiveness and warmth, we formed a nice friendship.  And, equally important, the radiation technologists were warm, welcoming, and attentive to my treatment and personal needs.”

Now being five months post-treatment, he is thrilled to be spending time with his grandson who was born during his treatment timeframe.

Glenn provides some insightful advice when it comes to a cancer diagnosis:

1. Understand the diagnostic process: It takes time and potentially several types of testing, including scans, biopsies, and consultations.  Although scared by the initial mention of cancer, its exact form, extent, danger, and treatment options are varied and worth exploring during all phases.
2. Do your research: Read about what is happening to you.  Look at basic descriptions of the possible types of cancer you may have and the associated symptoms.  Read research studies online to get a sense of where the overall field of cancer research and treatment are in 2025.  I found, for example, that very few men get breast cancer compared to the number of women, and even fewer 78- year-olds and older have be researched to see what works best for them (ex. only one study, in Germany, looked at the survival rates of old men taking post-radiation medication and the sample size was seven!!!!!!!)
3. Advocate for yourself and ask questions: Do not hesitate to ask questions and do not hesitate to get second medical opinions, especially, if you are uncomfortable with the medical attention and advice you are receiving. If you feel rushed or on a treadmill by your oncology team, look for another one if possible.
4. Pay attention to your individual situation: At 78, quality of life for the time that remains is extremely important to me.  I am not a young woman or man with many possible years for my cancer to be prevented, managed, or cured.  Make sure your oncology treatment providers take your stage of life and quality of life concerns into their treatment planning and delivery. This is particularly important if you have preexisting medical conditions that you are already navigating. Potential cancer treatments may interfere or negate your health and pain management ability.