Beyond Earth: Local Male Breast Cancer Survivor Aims for the Stars 

By Rupesh J. Parikh, MD
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada 

Allen Herbert was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2007. As a man, he admits the news was unexpected. 

According to the American Cancer Society, less than 1 percent of all breast cancer occurs in men. Being among that 1 percent, set a complex journey into motion. At 48 years old, he underwent surgery, endured numerous chemotherapy sessions and began a strenuous medication regimen in an attempt to keep his cancer at bay. 

After being diagnosed, Herbert learned from his geneticist that both he and his sons are also at an elevated risk for prostate cancer due to their West African heritage. Furthermore, Black men with prostate cancer face a poorer prognosis compared to their white counterparts (American Cancer Society). These statistics resonate deeply, driving him to actively participate in conversations about cancer, its effects and the critical need for awareness, particularly within the African American community. 

Despite challenges in his cancer journey, including his cancer advancing to stage 4 when it spread to his lungs, from 2014 to 2017, Herbert was able to be part of significant space milestones while working as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy of Nanoracks and General Manager of StarLab Oasis LTD. 

In 2022, Herbert’s cancer spread further into his lungs. Now 60 years old, he returned to the U.S. from the UAE a year ago as his cancer resurged once more. He chose to settle in Las Vegas to be closer to his family, where he now receives care from Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (Comprehensive) based on the philosophy that we treat the patient and not just the disease. 

Herbert’s journey has inspired him to delve deeper into how space research can advance cancer treatments. He has recognized the promising intersections between cancer and space research, particularly noting that drugs developed in space have shown potential in treating cancer. 

As a strong advocate for more organizations to explore this avenue, Herbert emphasizes that space research can significantly accelerate drug testing and potentially slow cancer progression, leading to groundbreaking therapies. Much like space, he believes this approach holds infinite potential and enjoys collaborating with others to promote space cancer research’s capability to revolutionize cancer treatment on Earth. 

With his experience front of mind, Herbert urges everyone to undergo regular cancer screenings and encourages those diagnosed with cancer to approach their journey as they would an exploration of space, advising, “Treat your battle with cancer as a mission—study the disease as if you’re preparing for a space expedition.” 

He continues to remain positive on the future of cancer research, saying, “I look forward to collaborating with Comprehensive and other partners to discuss space-related cancer research. The allure of space captures people’s attention and inspires curiosity. It encourages us to look up, imagine the possibilities, and invest in a future where both space exploration and cancer treatment advance hand in hand.” 

Rupesh J. Parikh is a medical oncologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.