Today is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It’s still a common misconception that breast cancer is purely a woman’s disease, when in fact it’s predicted that 217 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The risk for a man to be diagnosed with breast cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 542.
After an initial early breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) member Paul was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer a few years later. His family has a history of the condition.
‘I often get a surprised reaction when I tell people I have breast cancer,’ Paul said.
‘For me, I just have cancer. If you solely use the word “women” to describe breast cancer, you’re mostly correct. But you’re still incorrect,’ said Paul.
Paul has just returned from a holiday with his young family and is determined to keep passion at the centre of his life.
‘I’d like other men to be comfortable to share their diagnosis and seek out any support they need,’ he said.
You can read more about Paul’s story in the latest edition of BCNA’s magazine The Beacon.
Stories help to spread awareness
BCNA’s network includes many men who have been generous in sharing their stories to help raise awareness of breast cancer in males. One member, Phil, was diagnosed in 2020 and had no idea men could get breast cancer.
The late Harry Brooks was a passionate advocate for men diagnosed with breast cancer who died in July 2023.
When he was at Stage 4 Harry said, ‘My goal is to educate others in order to reduce stigmatisation, judgement, and negativity so all men with breast cancer feel supported.
‘Irrespective of your occupation, whether you are a judge, prisoner, plumber, CEO, farmer, teacher, surgeon, psychologist or taxi driver, anyone can get breast cancer and there is no reason for men to feel stigmatised or embarrassed.’
Living Well, Your Way
BCNA’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2023 is ‘Living Well, Your Way’.
With 20,458 women and 217 men expected to receive a diagnosis in 2023, raising awareness around the different support and resources available to help people live well with or beyond breast cancer is essential.
Those affected by breast cancer are likely to require different types of support at different times, so BCNA offers trusted information and a variety of resources.
These include a free Helpline (call 1800 500 258), podcasts/webcasts, My Journey, Service Finder, and an Online Network to connect with others – these can be accessed when and where they are needed via BCNA’s website.
Other online resources
- Breast cancer in men information page.
- Men get breast cancer too booklet.
- Men and breast cancer – treatment, managing side effects and finding support video.
- Understanding breast cancer: men get breast cancer too podcast.
- In conversation with Harry and Pieter podcast.
- Online Network – men living with breast cancer group.
