Let men get embarrassment off their chests

Published on Tuesday 4 August 2009 10:16

BREAST cancer doesn't just affect women, says Audrey Birt

AROUND 4000 women are diagnosed each year with breast cancer in Scotland, but you may be surprised to learn that breast cancer affects men as well. Each year in Scotland, around 20 men are diagnosed with the disease.

The male form of the disease is similar in most respects to breast cancer in women and treatment is broadly similar as well. For example, it may be hormone-positive, HER2-positive or hereditary.

The average age of diagnosis of male breast cancer is 65 – but it can occur at any age. As breast cancer is primarily associated with women, a man diagnosed with breast cancer may feel embarrassed and isolated. This can be a lot to contend with.

A recent example of male breast cancer is Nicky Avery from Southend, who, when diagnosed at the age of 24, was thought to be the youngest man in Britain with the disease. He is currently campaigning to change the name of the cancer – from breast to chest cancer.

He feels the current terminology makes it difficult for men to be aware they could get breast cancer and also to seek medical help should a lump or other symptom be found.

Changing the name should be treated with caution, as cancer of the chest is a different disease. For example, it could mean cancer in the bones of the chest and this means it will be treated differently from breast cancer. Our focus is on men getting the right information and the right treatment for the disease.

Male breast cancer is an important concern. Like breast cancer in women, male breast cancer is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors but the exact causes remain uncertain. This is why, as a research charity, we launched the Male Breast Cancer Study in 2007, the biggest study of its kind.

Nicky Avery's case helps highlight the fact that men can get breast cancer too and the need to have information tailored to their needs. For more information, visit www.breakthrough.org.uk

• Audrey Birt is Scotland director for Breakthrough Breast Cancer