Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted: October 7, 2021, 11:47AM

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Each year about 255,000 women women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease.

Although it's rare, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the US is found in a man. (A friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is receiving treatment. It is NOT just a woman's disease!)

The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are:

A lump or swelling in the breast

Redness or flaky skin in the breast

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin

Nipple discharge

Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

The risk factors are:

Aging. Most breast cancers are found after age 50

Genetic mutationsss

Family history of breast cancer

Radiation therapy treatment. Men who have had radiation therapy to the chest have a higher risk.

Hormone therapy treatment. Drugs containg estrogen which were used to treat prostate cancer in the past increase the risk of breast cancer.

Liver disease

Conditions that affect the testicles such as injuries or surgeries

Overweight

What do I do?

Do self exams. Check your breasts monthly for signs. (Men - do a self check on your testicles. For more information on testicular cancer, go to https://www.cancer.org)

If you find something, contact your health care provider immediately.

Schedule regular mammograms.

There are treatments and options. Consult your primary care provider or your oncologist. Be your own best heath care advocate and be proactive with your health.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, contact your local health department for information on the Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening program. You can find a screening program near you on the CDC website.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov, https://www.cancer.org.