Breast Cancer Isn’t Just About Women

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women are decked out in various shades of pink, walking for the cause, celebrating with survivors and spreading awareness. But we can’t forget the men who are strong enough to wear pink with these women. Breast cancer affects men, too.

Men can get it, too.

Although rare, breast cancer can affect men. According to the American Cancer Society, there are approximately 2,400 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in men in 2017. While the number of cases has been steady over the last 30 years, approximately 1 in 1,000 men may be at risk for getting breast cancer. Even though men don’t have the same physical features as women, the anatomy of the breast is still the same. Low levels of female hormones prevent the breast tissue from developing the same way as women, but the breast tissue still has ducts. Like all cells in the body, these duct cells can undergo cancerous changes.

Support

Whether it’s a brother, a spouse, an uncle, a cousin or a boyfriend, men can be a great support system during the cancer journey. There are a lot of ways to be supportive, including attending doctor’s appointments, communicating effectively, and being encouraging and reassuring. BayCare offers a variety of classes and events for those needing support. Visit BayCareEvents.org to register for an event near you.