To The Editor:
Thank you for the well written article by Kelly Griffin, “Baffled by Choices”, in the September & October issue of “AARP, The Magazine”. Although the efforts being made to fight breast cancer and improve treatments for the disease were discussed in detail in Ms. Griffin’s article, there was no mention of breast cancer in males, about which many members may not be fully aware.
As a male breast cancer survivor, I must point out that there are approximately 1500 cases of male breast cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. Unfortunately, unaware that they can contract breast cancer, men tend to disregard small lumps in their breasts, not knowing that breast cancer can be more insidious in men than in women (owing to the lack of tissue in the breast area of men, breast cancer often spreads more rapidly to the bones and vital organs than it does in women).
Of course, early diagnosis is very important, as the treatments for breast cancer in men are similar to those used in the treatment of women, and the success rate is dependant significantly on that early diagnosis. Perhaps this letter will serve to alert your readers, both males and females with male friends or relatives, that breast cancer does also strike men, and that early detection and treatment is a necessity.
Antonymous Male breast cancer survivor.
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July 30, 2006 at 11:08 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? yes
Has our site helped you? If so, how? it`s always good to know your not alone
Comments:
Hello
I`m glad I heard about you. This is my 5th year. In aug I go to see what they are going to put me on now.I guess Tamoxifen is only good for 5 years. So I`m a little nerves about changing something that has been working. I`m sure it will be ok because the Lord has a plan.Whatever it is ,it`s ok with me!
BILL RITCHIE
July 28, 2006 at 04:34 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? yes
Comments:
I am about 18 months post diagnosis of Inflammatory breast cancer. Thank goodness for a doctor who "just didn't feel right" about the lump and redness in my breast tissue. I had a double mastectomy due to the aggressiveness of this disease. Yes, masculine men CAN get breast cancer! I am sorry others have had this experience, but it is good to hear their experiences and see what helped them get through. I have a great wife who has helped & supported me through this ordeal.
July 07, 2006 at 01:04 AM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? No
Has our site helped you? If so, how? Yes, a male friend was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I wanted some more information. The testimony page was especially helpful.
Comments:
Thank you for sharing your stories. They really helped me understand what my friend may be going through.
July 06, 2006 at 04:15 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? Yes
Has our site helped you? If so, how? Yes
Comments:
I discovered a lump in my right breast in March of 2005. I went to a critical care doctor and was told not to worry about. When I went to my PCP he immediately send me for a diagnostic mammogram. They seen two tumors and did a biopsy. They were malignant.I was dignosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I had surgery to remove my right breast. They also took 29 lymph nodes. Two tested positive for cancer.
I had eight cycles of chemotherapy followed by 33 radiation treatments. I recently had my other breast removed as a precautionary measure. Men do get Breast Cancer! If you find a lump insist a mammogram and a biopsy!
This was one of the only sites out there for male breast cancer. There is little support for men with this disease. This site is a good place to start.
June 07, 2006 at 05:22 AM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? I'm at the very begining of this process not yet the end.
Has our site helped you? If so, how? It certainly has. As someone trying to learn more about Male Breast Cancer being able to hear from men that are either going through treatment currently or have completed treatment succesfully gives me a real sense of confidence.
Comments:
I am a 28-year-old man awaiting the results of my mammogram and ultrasound as we speak. My Oncologist has already scheduled a biopsy for June 13th regardless of the results of those two tests.
About 4 months ago the skin around my left nipple began to itch at times severely. I passed it off as dry skin and nothing more. A few weeks went by and it worsened to the point of a growth forming directly under the nipple about the size of a pea so I sought treatment. The Urgent Care Physicians treatment did nothing so I went to my regular physician. He initially dismissed it as nothing but later noted that if it remains for another few weeks a biopsy would be needed to verify it's not cancer. That was the first time I had ever heard of Male Breast Cancer and I was shocked to say the least. Because of a family history of cancer, especially Breast Cancer, on my maternal side of the family my mother began to freak out with the possibility of her 28-year-old son having cancer. So now I am being sent to a skin cancer specialist per my personal doctor's request but that doctor completely dismissed the need for a biopsy and sent me on my way despite a growing lump in my breast. After having gone to three different doctors none of who were able to treat the problem I sought the opinion of an Oncologist, feeling that at minimum they would take the threat of cancer seriously. That appointment was just a few days ago and I feel much better that I at least have a doctor that wants to find out if it's cancer or not and is at minimum getting all of the tests performed. I am supposed to find out tomorrow the results of the two tests before having the biopsy performed next week. Wish me luck!
Being able to find resources such as these is a tremendous help for there is nothing worse than the feeling of being in the dark with something as serious as cancer. I sincerely hope that I don't have to go through what these other men have gone through but having these resources will comfort me in the event that I do. Thank you.
May 29, 2006 at 04:31 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? YES, SO FAR...
Has our site helped you? If so, how? I WAS ABLE TO FIND OTHER STORIES ABOUT THE BIG QUESTION MARK
Comments:
I DISCOVERED MY LUMP WHEN I WAS 16, (CURRENTLY 49 YRS. OLD). SINCE I KNEW MEN COULDN'T GET BREAST CANCER I TOOK A VISE-GRIP PLIERS AND CRUSHED IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A FAT LUMP. AS YEARS WENT BY I'VE BEEN SHOT, BROKEN LEG, KNEE OPERATIONS, & A GASTRIC-BYPASS OPERATION. THE GASTRIC-BYPASS OPERATION PUT ME INTO A COMA FOR 18 MONTHS AND NOW I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR. AFTER I WOKE UP I FELT BETTER AND TRIED TO GET BETTER. DURING A CHECK-UP, MY NEW DOCTOR BRUSHED HER ELBOW ACROSS MY RIGHT BREAST AND FELT THE LUMP. SHE SENT ME FOR A LUMPECTOMY AND I HAD CANCER. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER I HAD THE BREAST REMOVED. THEN I HAD CHEMO AND RADIATION. NOW I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE LEFT BREAST. MEDICAID & MEDICARE REFUSE TO REMOVE IT BECAUSE THEY SAY THAT WOULD BE "COSMETIC SURGERY", THIS UPSETS ME BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T NEED THE BREAST! SO NOW I WAIT TO DISCOVER A LUMP IN THE BREAST COVERING MY HEART! I WON'T USE A VISE-GRIP TO SELF-TREAT AGAIN, BUT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT LARGE SURGICAL TOOLS.
THANX FOR READING MY STORY, AND I PRAY FOR US DAILY, BROTHERS OF THE BREAST!
May 27, 2006 at 03:35 PM
Comments:
Thanks for all the help over the phone.
May 23, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? yes ( 6 years & 6 months )
Has our site helped you? If so, how? yes
Comments:
I found your web site quite by accident. It has been very helpful to me because I found some of the stories that were posted to be very informative. The stories that I have read proved to me that "I AM NOT ALONE". Sometimes, other than my family, I do feel very alone.
My story has been posted on another website
( lifetimetv.com ) breast cancer survivors stories for about the last 3 years.
I have done a lot of public speaking about male breast cancer in the Baltimore, Md area for the last 6 years and I really enjoy educating people who are unaware that men can get this horrible disease. I was 66 years old when I got this disease and am now 73. I will continue to get as much information out to the public as I can to rid the world of this cancer.
Some year, some month, some week, some day ,some hour, some minute, someones donated dollar is going to find the cure. I would sure like to be there.
Thank you for listening.
.
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April 07, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? Yes
Has our site helped you? If so, how? It was good to find that there is an association to help get the word out to men and to medical professionals.
Comments:
For two years I had experienced drainage from my right nipple. My doctor told me not to worry, that it was common for fat men--gynocomastia. When I moved and changed doctors, my new physician suggested that there was a lump under my right nipple, and referred me to a surgeon. He was convinced that I had a cyst, and that it should come out. Even during my outpatient surgery for the lumpectomy, the doctors were convinced it was still a cyst until they got back to the lab. The following day, my doctor told me I had breast cancer. The following Monday, I had a modified right radical. The lymph nodes were clear, and I will soon celebrate nine years cancer free!
Thanks for your site. Everybody needs the news.
April 04, 2006 at 07:23 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? no
Has our site helped you? If so, how? Yes
Comments:
My Father has Stage 4 met BC, he has fought a good fight, a fight that might have been easier if there was more awareness of Male Breast Cancer. I am thrilled to see your foundation raising awareness, Keep up the great work!!!
March 24, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? no
Has our site helped you? If so, how? yes.
Comments:
My father passed away from male breast cancer eight years ago. I never see information warning men that they can get it to. Please keep spreading the word and let me know how i can help.My email is dawnlite24@msn.com.
April Stump Elyria Ohio
Feb 22, 2006 at 03:55 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? no (my brother lost his battle)
Comments:
Hi,
My name is Rosalba, I am president and founder of Team Angels Foundation. We are commit-ed to making a difference in our community by raising funds for research and by increasing awareness that this devastating disease affects not only women, but men as well. Our motto, "Don't just think pink, (for breast cancer in women) think blue (for breast cancer in men) serves as a reminder that men are also at risk. However, early detection can save women and men.
My friend who is a surgical oncologist, is writing a book on breast cancer survivors. Any male survivor who is interested in telling their story, email me at: teamangels2000@hotmail.com also check out our web-site at: www.teamangelsfoundation.org
May God Bless you, and may you always have an Angel by your side!
Jan 23, 2006 at 05:21 PM
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? No
Has our site helped you? If so, how? Just knowing that someone is trying to get the word out that men get breast cancer too.
Comments:
Thank You so much for having this site. I just lost my father to male breast cancer January 9th. It was a long battle (seven years). I am SO glad there is someone who has blue on their ribbon. I want to help get the word out! I will pray for all those affected by breast cancer.
