Attention: MEN - Why YOU Need to Know About BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among
Rhode Island women, but it can affect men in a variety of ways as
well. Learn why breast cancer should matter to men.

Men Can Develop Breast Cancer

While breast cancer is 100 times more common in women, it can be detected in men. This is because both men and women have breast tissue, and all breast cells can undergo cancerous changes.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2007, 2,030 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the U.S., and that 450 males will die of breast cancer. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing male breast cancer include:

• Age: Breast cancer in men usually occurs between the ages of 60 and 70 years.
  
• Family History: 1 in 5 men with breast cancer also had a male or female relative with breast cancer.
  
• Genetics: 5-10% of male breast cancers are inherited. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes put men at a greater risk for both breast and prostate cancer.
  
• Radiation Exposure
  
• Exposure to Estrogen: Estrogen is the primary sex hormone found in women, but is also present in men at much lower levels. Men receiving hormone therapy may be exposed to higher amounts of estrogen.
  
• Obesity
  
• Excessive alcohol consumption
  

Knowing the signs of breast cancer can save your life. Symptoms include:

• Lump in the breast.
  
• Enlarged or painful breast tissue.
  
• Clear or bloody nipple discharge.
  
• Skin dimpling or puckering.
  

Early detection and treatment has a 90% cure rate.

The Most Important Women in Your Life May Develop Breast Cancer

There is always a possibility that a grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, aunt, sister, cousin, significant other, or friend will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although it may be a frightening time, it is important for you to offer your loved one as much support and assistance as possible. Nobody should fight cancer alone, and your role as a caregiver to a breast cancer patient is invaluable. Knowing about breast cancer, its effects, and its treatment allows you to:

• Understand what your loved one may be experiencing.
  
• Offer needed and appropriate support.
  
• Understand your role as a caregiver.
  
• Better cope with a breast cancer diagnosis of a family member or friend.
  

Your Role in Breast Cancer Prevention and Detection

Your love and support can be a source of motivation for your female family members and friends to take steps in preventing breast cancer and to see the benefits of early detection. In fact, there have been many instances in which a boyfriend or husband has detected a lump in his girlfriend's or wife's breast. Encourage the women in your life to perform monthly breast self-exams and to get a yearly mammogram.

For more information and answers to specific questions contact the Rhode Island Cancer Council at Tel@ricancercouncil.org or call us at (401) 728-4800 or toll free 866-879-4100.

IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT CANCER THAN TO TREAT IT.

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