MALE BREAST CANCER-ARE YOU AWARE?

“Sir- You have BreastCancer”! You don’t hear these words very often and most people don’t even know that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most men don’t even think they have breast- they’re pecks aren’t they!?

Breast tissue and ducts in a male begins to form during puberty with the on set of hormones including estrogen important for bones; another surprise to men, yes, they do have estrogen. It’s not just women who have to deal with this hormone and hot flashes! The growth of breast tissue shortly subsides as testosterone suppresses the tissue growth leaving predominantly small, undeveloped ducts and a small amount of fat and tissue. However if breast tissue continues to develop medical attention may be needed for a diagnosis of Gynecomastia.

So why doesn’t a man at his yearly check up (hopefully you are having one!) while being checked for prostate cancer, or recommended for a colonoscopy, receive a breast exam? Or be taught how to perform a male self-breast examination? The same reason I suppose that many people in the health fields don’t even know that men can be diagnosed with this “woman’s” disease. The sad part is that because no one is looking, often men receive a diagnosis that is too far progressed and is often fatal. Most doctors’ offices take a medical history, so they know if there is a family history of breast cancer. Men need to be informed of their risk factors just like a sister or daughter would be. In 2012 there were over 2200 cases of male breast cancer and over 400 deaths. Most cases of male breast cancer are detected between the ages of 60-70 although the condition can develop in men of any age. The risk of a man developing breast cancer is approximately 1/10 of 1%, or one in 1,000.  The numbers may be small in comparison to women, but this should not make them any less important!  The statistics may actually be skewed as it is likely cancer found elsewhere in men may have begun in the breast however it had already spread to another area before being diagnosed.

Symptoms in men can include an onset of a mass; Skin dimpling or puckering, Nipple retraction, Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin or Nipple discharge. Most men might ignore some of these symptoms not even thinking they could have breast cancer. It’s important to be aware of any changes in your body and consult your physician should you have any concerns. A Mammogram, Breast MRI, Ultrasound or Biopsy would be the next steps to determine if you have Male breast cancer.

My brother, a Male BreastCancer Survivor, received this diagnosis and could not believe how little information there was available for him. Even his oncologist and the medical staff he came in contact with were not sure of the best ways to treat him, so they treated him like a woman. The technologist was shocked when he arrived for his mammogram, a man? !! And most people in the doctor’s offices thought he was there for his wife, instead of his wife being there to support him! Between us we have 5 sons and knew we had to do something to make a change.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was founded to help bring education and awareness of Male Breast Cancer. HIS has been an outlet for men to discuss their diagnosis, share their journey and to learn they are not alone with this disease.  Most importantly, we have brought awareness to men, wives, sisters, girlfriends and some of the medical world to watch, perform breast examinations, make choices in their lifestyle knowing their risk, and hopefully save some lives.

Modah Ani- I am Thankful

Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder