Men Get Breast Cancer, Too!

Breast cancer in women gets all of the attention.

However, the word needs to be spread, that MEN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO! Because of the stereotyping of breast cancer as something that only strikes women, male breast cancer is often misdiagnosed with tragic consequences.

That's why women need to spread the word, and nag the men we love to see a doctor if they notice any abnormalities in their breast region or pectoral cavity. And not just any old doctor, but someone who is familiar with male breast cancer. Too often, it is misdiagnosed as unilateral gynecomastia, which is dismissive and usually false.

It took us 3 doctors before we found the right one -- a surgical oncologist at Stanford University Hospital. He was kind, discreet, and was sensitive to the feelings that men have when confronted with breast tumors. And he had the experience we were looking for, as he had operated on at least 100 other men who had similar tumors, not to mention thousands of women.

I encourage everyone to check out the John W. Nick Foundation for more information and resources about male breast cancer.

And girls, keep after then men in your life to be healthy. Preach, teach, nag -- whatever it takes. And find a doctor who takes your concerns seriously.