#GivingTuesday-Supporting Male Breast Cancer

There’s a day for Mother’s, Father’s, and your boss, a day for honoring our flag, our veterans and our freedom.  There is BlackFriday to go shopping, Cyber Monday to shop on line and so why not have a day for giving?  Welcome Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday that follows Thanksgiving!

There are so many ways that you can help HIS Breast Cancer Awareness with your donations so let us share some suggestions from  donations HIS BCA will receive when you shop on line, sending your holiday wishes, or just meeting your end of the year charitable tax deductions.

First, if you’re shopping on amazon this holiday or all year long, first go to smile.amzon and choose from the list or search to select HIS Breast Cancer Awareness as your charity of choice or click directly on this link; http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-1352739 Every time you shop with smile.amazon, amazon will make a donation to us- it’s that easy! You shop, save and HIS BCA is rewarded.

If you’re out of ideas on what to get or even IF you should be buying someone a present, a donation card with your wishes makes the perfect and most thoughtful gift. You can order one that we’ll mail for you or purchase a pack of 10 cards. In addition to the holidays, you can keep them on hand all year long to honor a birthday, send get well wishes, or offer a note of congratulations. You make the acknowledgement, and the receiver appreciates your kindness and learns that male breast cancer does exist; you might just even save a life with awareness! To order one or purchase a pack, visit the SHOP page on the web site here; http://hisbreastcancer.org/shop.html 

If you like to wait to the end of the year to choose your charities and make your donations then please consider a donation to HIS Breast Cancer Awareness.  Your donations assist with offering insight, education and awareness of Male Breast Cancer and can be made directly on the web  through with paypal or you’re welcome to mail us a check.

Another great place to make a donation this year is a documentary in the makings that we are involved with. Please visit the kickstarter.com web site here and support the documentary Pink And Blue.  They need your help to make this happen! View more details here; http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/77350478/pink-and-blue-0/posts

It is projected that over 2,240 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed and over 400 men will die from the disease.  The percentage fatality rate is often higher for men diagnosed with breast cancer as usually no one is checking and men don’t notice the symptoms as they are not even aware they can be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Men also do not have the options women may with breast conserving surgery/treatment and so mastectomy is most often performed due to the limited amount of tissue.  Just imagine hearing the words as a man, or a woman about her father, husband, son or any loved one; Sir, You Have Breast Cancer!  Breast cancer doesn’t just affect sisters and daughter’s, breast cancer affects sons and brothers. In addition with the current awareness of the BRCA gene mutation thanks to Angelina Jolie, it’s important to note that 50% of the worlds BRCA (breast cancer susceptibilitygene) carriers are male.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was formed in 2010 as a fully credited nonprofit 501©3 organization to bring education, awareness, prevention and lifestyle assistance to anyone dealing with Male Breast Cancer or having a family member with a history of Breast Cancer.  Vicki and Harvey (co-founders) are both Breast Cancer Survivors and carry the BRCA gene mutation.  Between them they have 5 sons, all who have a 50/50% to be BRCA positive which are also known factors in the cause of Prostate, Pancreatic, Melanoma and Ovarian as well as many other cancers.

We know that we have already saved men’s lives and with your support, we can reach so many more!

Please consider choosing HIS Breast Cancer as your charity to give and support this #GivingTuesday and through the holidays.

PinkandBlue; $10,000, SIR; $5,000, Prevention; $2500, Insight; $1000,

Lifestyle; $500, Education; $250, Awareness; $100,   MBC(other) $__

Thank you in advance for any donation in support of Male Breast Cancer Awareness!

Modah Ani- I am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder

WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Together we are making a difference with awareness and savings lives and we hope you all feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude. For all of you, we are very thankful.

THIS STORY HAS BEEN MOVED- TO READ MORE, CLICK THIS LINK;
http://www.hisbreastcancer.org/single-post/2014/11/18/We-Have-So-Much-To-Be-Thankful-For

PUT DOWN THAT RAZOR; IT'S MOVEMBER!

Continuing into November with “Awareness” the facial hair growth happening around us isn't just a coincidence! This 'rugged' look reminds us of Men’s Health issues in which male breastcancer should be added to the list! During November each year, “Movember” is responsible for the emergent mustache,  beard, etc. on thousands of men’s faces in the US and around the world to bring awareness and funds for men’s health issues. Most of the funding is for the promotion and awareness of Prostate and Testicular Cancers as well as men’s mental health however this is another way we can help spread the awareness for Male Breast Cancer!

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.9 Million “Mo Bros and Mo Sistas” to participate with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

Movember works to change and improve the habits and attitudes men have about their health in addition to educating them about their health risk; education like the recent findings related to the benefits of men taking a multi vitamin daily being diagnosed with 8% fewer cancers.   Without education, we cannot act on the knowledge and especially regarding Male Breast Cancer as most men are not aware they can be diagnosed with this disease, unlike Prostate and Testicular cancers.

In 2008 Harvey was diagnosed with Male Breast Cancer!

Male Breast Cancer Does Exist!  “I’m living Proof, which is better than being dying proof!”

About 13 years earlier his sister Vicki and our mother Libby were diagnosed with Breast Cancer first. After 3 breast cancer diagnosis along with genetic testing, although Harvey knew he could be at a higher risk for some of the ‘male’ cancers, he didn’t take breast cancer seriously. “I’m a guy; I don’t have to worry about that!” In 2009 Harvey was diagnosed with breast cancer.

FACTS:

·         This year it is projected that over 2,240 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed and over 400 men will die from the disease.

·         50% of the worlds BRCA (breast cancersusceptibility gene) carriers are male and there is an increased risk from 1% closer to 6% of a diagnosis as a male if a carrier of the BRCA gene

·         Percentage fatality rate is often higher for men diagnosed with breast cancer as usually no one is checking, men don’t notice the symptoms, men are not aware they can be diagnosed with breast cancer and are not screened on a regular basis with the current insurance regulations

·         Breast Cancer doesn’t just affect sisters and daughter’s, breast cancer affects sons and brothers

·         Male breast cancer treatment consist of mastectomy due to limited amount of tissue and often followed with some or all; radiation therapy, chemo therapy and hormone therapy

So take that clean shaven face, or semi started facial hair and now’s your chance (excuse) to try out that mustache for a great cause!  When asked why you are “changing your look”, you can explain your cause for education, awareness and survivorship. In 2011, over 854,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world got on board, raising $126.3 million USD.  In addition to educating others, they can also make a donation in honor of your month long growth to either Movember or directly to HIS Breast Cancer Awareness. For HIS donation information visit us on line at, http://hisbreastcancer.org/donate.html 

This month, show your face for the cause and all men's health issues.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder, Editor

PUMPKINS-FUN, PRETTY AND HEALTHY!

THIS STORY HAS BEEN MOVED- PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO CONTINUE TO READ;
http://www.hisbreastcancer.org/single-post/2016/09/28/PUMPKINS-FUN-PRETTY-AND-HEALTHY

“BLUE IN A PINK WORLD”

“BLUE IN A PINK WORLD”
Let's Talk About #Inequality

THIS STORY HAS BEEN MOVED. TO READ MORE, CLICK THIS LINK;
http://www.hisbreastcancer.org/single-post/2014/10/13/Blue-In-A-Pink-World

WHAT'S A MAN TO DO THIS OCTOBER!

This story can be found now here; http://www.hisbreastcancer.org/single-post/2016/09/28/What-About-The-MEN-This-October

Giving the Perfect Father's Day Gift

On Father’s Day you’re probably thinking about the family of men in your life. In addition to your father or father in law or husband, you probably send wishes to sons, brothers, uncles, friends and neighbors. This Father’s Day would be a great opportunity to help make them all aware that breast cancer is not just a woman’s disease.

How many men are diagnosed with male breast cancer? The percentage is small, but is even a small number not important enough? Because it is few, does this mean we should ignore the possibility? For a large percentage of the men diagnosed, it is often more fatal since no one is looking, it is found much later and more progressed. The first step for HIS Breast Cancer is to bring awareness, especially if there is a possibility of a genetic mutation in the family. We talk about different diseases and tragedies all the time with our families, so why not discuss Male Breast Cancer? There may be conversations about a mother, sister or aunt who have had or passed from a cancer diagnosis and have tested positive for the BRCA genetic mutation. Do you know that 50% of the brca carriers are male? and are at risk of developing breast, early on-set prostate and other cancers? Although it may not appear as such due to its low numbers for men, it’s still equally as difficult when a female has to verbalize they have breast cancer. No matter how you look at it-it’s a life threatening disease and male or female, once diagnosed with breast or any cancer, your life is never the same.

Do the men in your life conduct self-breast exams? Probably not! So who’s checking? This most likely doesn’t take place at their annual physical examination, no one is suggesting a yearly mammogram, and when was the last time they were given an instruction sheet on how to check them-self? It's important to discuss your family history with your general physician and you can 'ask' them to complete an examination yearly. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is working to make these changes for earlier detection. 

Looking for the right gift? You might just save a life! So start with a simple gift this Father’s Day. Print the self-breast exam instructions below, laminate on your favorite paper, frame it, or present it with that perfect tie inside the box. At HIS Breast Cancer Awareness you can also shop for Male Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts, wristbands, lapel pins or send a donation card or make a donation in honor of those special men in your life. 

Make Father’s Day the perfect reminder time for all men to take a minute out of their day, right after breakfast in bed, to examine their breast (yes men do have breast). Or provide encouragement for them to have hereditary genetic testing completed. It just may be the best Father's Day gift they'll ever receive because it shows how much you really care. For more information, provide the men in your life with the link to get started, learn more and be educated. Knowledge is a gift.....

Dad-Thinking of you and missing you always but especially on Father's Day. Always loved dancing with you and need some of your "big money" for your new great grandchild on the way <3
Love and miss you xoxo

Modah Ani- I am Thankful 

Editor; Vicki Wolf, Co-Founder

How To: Male Self Breast Exam

Step 1: Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your arms on your hips to tighten your chest muscles and inspect yourself.  Watch for any changes such as dimpling, swelling and areas around the nipple. Raise your arms above your head and continue to examine your breast and arm pit areas.

Step 2: Move around the breast in a circular motion with the fingertips.  You can perform this in either an up and down method, a circular or a wedge pattern, but try to be consistent using the same method each time. In addition, check the nipple area for any discharge. Complete on both breast.

Step 3: In addition to standing, you can also examine your breast lying down. To do so, place a pillow under your right shoulder and bend your right arm over your head.  Then with your fingertips on your left hand, begin checking by pressing all areas of the breast and armpit.  Once completed on the right, move the pillow to under your left shoulder and repeat the same process.

www.hisbreastcancerawareness.org

offering insight and education on male breast cancer

                                                              PRINT AND SHARE 

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Golf Event - Mendon Golf Club

      HIS Breast Cancer Awareness 1st Charity Golf Event

 HIS Breast Cancer Awareness will hold our 1st Charity Golf Event to help raise funds for Education and Awareness of Male Breast Cancer. On June 9, 2014 at Mendon Golf Club located in the Rochester, NY area a full day of fun is planned with Lunch, Driving Range, Practice Facilities, Cart, Golf Scramble, Cocktails and Great Prizes!

Sir, You Have Breast Cancer!

Just imagine hearing those words! We know you receive a great deal information with awareness for breast cancer however this may be of interest to you in a more direct way.  We are all aware of the percentages and risk of breast cancer but are you aware that MEN can also receive a diagnosis of Breast Cancer?

In 2008 Harvey was diagnosed with Male Breast Cancer!

Male Breast Cancer Does Exist!  “I’m living Proof, which is better than being dying proof!”

About 13 years earlier his sister Vicki and our mother Libby were diagnosed with Breast Cancer first. Both Harvey and Vicki are carriers of the BRCA2 genetic mutation.

HIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS was formed in 2010 as a fully credited nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization to bring education, awareness, prevention and lifestyle assistance to anyone dealing with Male Breast Cancer or having a family member with a history of Breast Cancer.  Men have a much higher percentage fatality rate because they don’t think they can get Breast Cancer, do not notice the symptoms, receive routine breast checks where a family history is prevalent and cannot be screened on a regular basis with the current insurance regulations.  The American Cancer Society says there will be over 2,240 new cases of male breast cancer in 2014 and approximately 410 men will die from the disease. Although the numbers are smaller, men will die from breast cancer!

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness is here to assist and inform. On Monday June 9^th, we’re here to help make this happen even better with a day of fun, games, prizes and friends. Hope you’ll come out and join us! Or, support our efforts through hole sponsorship or donations.

FIRST HIS-BCA GOLF TOURNAMENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MALE /FEMALE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS & BRCA GENETIC MUTATION AWARENESS!

DATE: Monday June 9^th, 2014. 12:00 Noon Lunch/ 1 PM SHOTGUN START

WHERE: 

Mendon Golf Club

226 Mendon Ionia Road

Mendon, NY 14506

Cost;  $120.00 per Player / $420.00 for Foursome

Hole Sponsors available; $250.00 (1Hole & 1 Player) or $500.00 (2Holes & 2 Players)

RSVP by May 31, 2014 or email for more information: Harvey Singer/ Co- Founder: HIS Breast Cancer Awareness: 

UVharvey@gmail.com or hisbreastcancer@gmail.com            WWW.HISBREASTCANCER.ORG 

Changes need to be made, but it all begins with awareness and education!  We need to add some blue to the pink ribbon and we hope with your efforts and support, together we can make the changes needed to save lives. See you on the course! 

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness

Your Mother's Day Genes

Happy Mother's Day

Happy and Healthy Mother's Day! Where would any of us be without our mother?!!

On this day, we especially thank them for all they have done from bringing us into this world,

to teaching, guiding, and giving us unconditional love. Of course, they also  pass on their genes!

This Mother's Day will be my 19th year since my first diagnosis and I began participating (running or walking) in the Komen Race for the Cure 5k that is held every Mother's Day in Philadelphia. With my 3 sons and husband by my side, my family has always been so supportive of this morning 'for me'. Little did they (we) realize back then, this race would also play a role for them directly with the possibility they too as a male, could be diagnosed with breast cancer.

While enjoying your time with your mother (and father) this Sunday, make it a point to ask some questions about your family medical history. Whether you're male or female, it's important to know if family members have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, melanoma or other cancers. Educate all family members that cancer knows no gender and yes, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. If you learn of these cancers linked to one side of your family, consider having genetic testing. The BRCA genetic mutation often stems from Eastern Europe and is prevalent in the Ashkenazi Jewish decent. Today the BRCA gene mutation is found all over the world in women and men.

I began running in this event 19 years ago because it touched me, my mother and my maternal aunt. It wasn't until my 3rd diagnosis did I discover that I am a BRCA2 carrier of the mutation. Fortunately sharing my information with my brothers, probably saved my brother Harvey's life. After noticing shooting pain in his breast area, he did not hesitate to see his doctor only to be diagnosed with male breast cancer. As well, our sons are educated, aware and proactive and we assist with helping others to learn more from our nonprofit organization we began called HIS Breast Cancer Awareness. We are also looking forward to being a part of an important documentary, Pink&Blue. This past April, Harvey, my mother and I have had our breast screenings and thankfully we are all clean!

This Mother's Day, I continue to walk for myself, my brother, our mother (89 years old), our aunt (98 years old) and other loved ones along side of my beautiful (inside and out) school girlfriends as well "with" our amazing Lori. Lori and I will walk the steps together this year as survivors and join her team of Iron Butterflies.

We are all very blessed to be survivors, to be healthy today and most importantly, enjoying this Mother's Day. We all know far too many who have not been as fortunate and we walk 'for' them with heavy hearts. If you would like to make a donation in someone's honor or memory, please visit our web site here; http://hisbreastcancer.org/donate.html

My family is growing as I now have 2 daughters (in law) with my first grandchild on the way! And I will get to spend this weekend with all of them, the perfect gift! 

Wishing you all a very Happy and most importantly, Healthy Mother's Day.

Give and Get The Gift of Education.

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf

Co-founder; HIS Breast Cancer Awareness

Can radiation therapy have an effect on your heart?

As with any medications and medical treatments, adverse effects are often involved.  According to a recent study, breast cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy have a slightly higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease.  Of course, the researchers from Oxford University, England, The Karolinska Institute, Sweden and Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, involved 2,200 female patients between 1958 and 2001 but did not include any men. 

Ischemic heart disease is characterized when there is restriction in the blood supply to tissue of the heart muscle.  Of the general population, ischemia is more common among men, people with close relatives with ischemic heart disease, individuals with high cholesterol levels, regular smokers, diabetes, and/or hypertension (high blood pressure).  The risk of developing ischemic heart disease is higher with receiving radiation therapy when these other health factors exist.

The researchers used data from radiotherapy charts and medical records to approximate the mean radiation dosage to the heart.  In addition, they examined data of each woman’s heart disease risk factors as well as their medical histories. 

The team found a clear association between the radiation dose and ischemic heart disease later in life, although they feel that it is still small.  If you received or need to receive radiation therapy and your risks include angina, chronic obstructive lung disorder, diabetes, obesity, smoker or other heart disease, speak with your doctor to see how you can support or make changes to your overall health.

The researchers agree the risk peaked during the first ten years after therapy and then dropped but did still remain higher than normal for at least twenty years.  This information does not mean that every breast cancer patient has a higher risk of heart disease.   A 50-year-old patient who received a 3 Gy heart dose during radiotherapy has a 2.4% chance of dying from ischemic heart disease before she is 80, compared to 1.9% among breast cancer patients of the same age who had no radiation.

This study will hopefully help doctors determine the best ways to treat breast cancer patients for radiation therapy.  The International Journal of Radiation Oncology/Biology/Physics in May of 2007 published a study finding that older breast cancer patients with early stage disease who underwent radiation therapy had no increased risk of a heart attack. 

As in any treatment, it’s important to determine if the risk outweigh the benefits. Hopefully this information will assist all genders.

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you love someone, you’ll check their breast (yes men do have breast) or remind them to do a self-breast exam (see our brochure on the web site for details on how to perform a self breast examination)

Modah Ani- I Am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder