"WE” are both Breast Cancer survivors! “WE” are a
brother and sister and
YES, Men can get breast cancer and the Power of WE will help spread awareness and education…
My first Breast Cancer diagnosis came when
I was 37 years old, just one month after our mother had received a breast
cancer diagnosis. She was in her 70’s as was our aunt when she had a mastectomy
so I thought I had lots of time to concern myself with breast cancer but I was
wrong.
Between the ages of 37-47 I
had received four diagnoses and had seven surgeries along with the treatment of
Radiation and Tamoxifen. After my fourth diagnosis I decided with our family
history, I needed to do some genetic testing to gain more information. I tested
positive for the BRCA genetic mutation, which stems from the European Jewish
decent.
Once diagnosed, I informed my
sons (I have 3) along with my brothers of their risk for developing Breast and Prostate cancers. My brother Harvey pretty much
“pooh-poohed” it thinking, he’s a guy, this doesn’t really concern him (or his
sons), he was wrong!
In 2008 my brother Harvey
called me on his way to his doctor. He had discovered a lump along with pain in the nipple area of his left breast. His doctor then sent him on for a mammogram
as he tried to comprehend how he (a man) could get a mammogram. From there, he
received his diagnosis of male breast cancer and his life was no longer as he knew
it.
I could offer my brother a
great deal of knowledge and support however what I could not assist him with
was a man with a “woman’s” disease. The humiliation he experienced, the
stigmatism that goes along with a male being treated for breast cancer was far
more than I could begin to understand. If it wasn’t difficult enough to deal
with a cancer diagnosis and all the emotional and physical challenges that it
presents, being a male with breast cancer was the biggest challenge.
“WE” decided to help make a
change in the world of Breast Cancer. “WE” developed a non-profit organization
called HIS (my brother’s initials) Breast Cancer Awareness to provide Education and Awareness for Male Breast Cancer. Between the two of us we have 5 sons, so
it was also important to us to pave the way for them as they have a 50/50%
chance of developing Breast Cancer too.
Our organization has grown
quickly in just a few years and “WE” have been able to provide many men who
have been diagnosed with breast cancer an outlet to speak about their diagnosis
and a place to discover they are not alone with this disease. In addition, “WE’
know that bringing awareness and educating others “WE” have and will continue
to save lives. Often for men, because no one is checking, they receive a
diagnosis far too late and so it is fatal. Whether it’s a son, a boyfriend, a
father, a relative or friend, women can help men learn about breast cancer for
themselves, in addition to their female counterpart. On our web site “WE” offer
a How to do a self-breast exam for men. “WE” offer information for healthy
lifestyles and prevention along with links for more detailed information but
most of importantly, “WE” offer awareness!
Of course, it would be great
if we could eradicate all cancers, but in the meantime, “WE” need to help
educate. Yes, pink is all around us, but it’s time “WE” add a little blue! For
more information, visit HIS Breast Cancer Awareness at www.hisbreastcancer.org.
“WE” can work together for Male and Female
Breast Cancer because the Power of We is much stronger combined.
Modah Ani – I/We are thankful
Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf,
Co-founder
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