1 November 2011
Unsurprisingly, women's health has been at the forefront of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which took place in October – however, what many do not realise is that, although overwhelmingly an issue for women, men are also susceptible to the disease.
About 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, representing less than 1% of total cases*. However, for those men who are affected with the condition, it can be a disconcerting and alienating experience.
Sarah Wemyss, a cancer clinical nurse specialist at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals, said: "The vast majority of information out there about breast cancer is aimed at women, and, considering it's predominantly a women's illness, that's rightly so. However, that doesn't make it any easier for men who are affected.
"Because it's rare in men, it means that it runs the risk of being misdiagnosed or undertreated when it is correctly identified. A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic for anyone, but there are added complications with male breast cancer.
"A recurring theme you hear from men with breast cancer is the loneliness and confusion they feel. Because it's such a rare condition, it can be difficult to even come to terms with the diagnosis."
The symptoms for breast cancer are very similar in both men and women, though there is no need for men to carry out regular self-examinations. Instead, men should contact their GP if they experience any of the following:
Sarah added: "Breast cancer in men is very rare, but it exists. The odds that you get it are highly improbable – but not impossible."
