Breast Cancer in Males is No Joke

You may not be aware, but men can get breast cancer just like women. Breast cancer among men can occur in any age group, but is more likely to occur in middle age. A new study reveals that black men show the same health disparity, with respect to breast cancer, as black women. The most important symptom of breast cancer that is too often ignored is a tender and enlarged breast. Black men do not get this checked when the symptoms first present and this means that the disease is not diagnosed until it is in an advanced stage. Since we are late in getting this cancer diagnosed and treated, we are less likely to be seen by an oncologist (cancer specialist), less likely to have a good five year outcome, and we have a higher mortality rate than non- African American men.

Male breast cancer can be treated with breast removal (mastectomy), removal of the lump (lumpectomy), or chemotherapy. An example we can look to is Richard Roundtree the actor who played John Shaft in the 1960’s. He was treated for breast cancer several years ago and today is during well. A major concern with diagnosing and treating African American men for this disease is that they will go into denial that the painful, enlarged and draining breast is anything to worry about. But I’m here to tell you that breast cancer in black males is real. Get checked out if you suspect something is wrong. Talk with your physician so that you can be around to be an old grandfather. I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell--- Closing the gap in health care.

Bell Update Volume 2, Chapter 26
Copyright July 2007