October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This opportunity to spread the word about breast cancer also includes the message that men get breast cancer too.
Yes, male breast cancer is rare compared to female breast cancer. But, it is real and men die from it and families are devastated by its effects.
Denver’s Theron Bell was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1976. At the time he did not realize that men could get the disease. Not only did he survive, he has survived five recurrences. He is an active advocate in spreading the word, and he recently spoke with the American Journal of Nursing about his experiences and his message that early detection of male breast cancer can save lives.
Want to learn more about male breast cancer? Join in upcoming webinars sponsored by FORCE (Facing Our Risk for Cancer Empowered). Included:
Medical implications of BRCA mutations in men: update and future directions
October 26, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST, presented by Tuya Pal, MD, FABMG, Moffitt Cancer Center
Psychosocial and Behavioral implications of BRCA mutations in men: Update and Future Directions
November 18, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST, presented by Kelly A. Metcalfe, RN, PhD, University of Toronto
For more information on these webinar series and to register for these free webinars, visit the FORCE website.
The American Cancer Society has a detailed guide on male breast cancer including causes, risk factors, prevention, detection, treatment, after treatment, research, and resources.
Check out the John W. Nick Foundation website, with information and resources exclusively regarding male breast cancer. And form a blue team!
Purchase a calendar of male breast cancer survivors. Art BeCAUSE is committed to funding research dedicated to eradicating environmental causes of breast cancer. 14 male breast cancer survivors, all ex-Marines, posed for camera shoot and their calendar is available for purchase with proceeds going to breast cancer research.
Please know that male breast cancer exists. The Mayo clinic lists symptoms of male breast cancer which include lumps, changes to the nipple or breast skin, or discharge of fluid from the nipple. Get informed, see your doctor, get a second opinion if need be, be your own advocate.
FORCE is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Our mission includes support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research specific to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Our programs serve anyone with a BRCA mutation or a family history of cancer.
John W. Nick Foundation, Inc.: To educate the world about the risk of breast cancer in men,
and to provide preventive and reactive measures to cancer through education and research.
The mission of the Art beCAUSE Breast Cancer Foundation is to fund research dedicated to eradicating the environmental causes of breast cancer.
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