Male breast cancer: Overcoming the stigma and learning I wasn’t alone

This blog post uses the words “men” and “male” to refer to cisgender men and discusses the challenges of breast cancer for those who are assigned male at birth and identify as male. Resources for transgender men, non-binary people and other members of the LGBTQ+ community can be found ici.

Very often, when I hear the diagnosis “male breast cancer,” I wonder why we call it that. After all, men have breasts, too, even if we typically have less breast tissue. We are typed and staged in a similar manner to women, and treatments, based on these factors, pretty much follow the regimens used to treat women.

Although the disease is the same, men undergoing treatment for breast cancer face a unique set of challenges, both physical and emotional. As a breast cancer survivor, here are my experiences:

Emotional challenges

Since breast cancer in men is rare, I quickly learned that the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding this disease in men meant it would be difficult for me to find information and support tailored to my needs. Due to the rarity of breast cancer in men, I often felt isolated and alone in my experiences. The key to overcoming this was to find other men who were undergoing treatment, or who had been through treatment, who could relate to my situation and even offer help and advice.

I soon became aware that my cancer diagnosis and treatment came with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Fortunately, I had resources to overcome these, but I always recommend men seek help at the first sign of any problems. A mental health professional can help you cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Physical challenges

Surgery, especially a mastectomy, can significantly alter a man’s chest and body image. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and a loss of confidence.

Because some treatments can affect sexual function and libido, leading to intimacy issues and emotional distress, I was on the lookout for these issues. Don’t be afraid to let your health care provider know how the treatments are affecting you—you are your own best advocate and by sharing what you are experiencing, they can help you through it.

Coping strategies and support

Male breast cancer is often diagnosed in later stages due to lack of awareness and screening. While it’s recommended women get screened annually for breast cancer beginning at age 40, there is no routine breast cancer screening available for men of average risk. This can lead to more late-stage diagnoses, aggressive treatment and poorer outcomes among men. And because there’s much less research on breast cancer in men compared to breast cancer in women, my understanding of the disease was limited.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to learn about breast cancer in men and your treatment options. Early detection of breast cancer can be difficult for men, who might not notice a lump or may only see a doctor when the lump has gotten large. But Early Detection = Better Outcomes and bringing up any unusual changes in your body with your doctor can make all the difference.

Reputable online resources like the Mayo Clinic et le Institut national du cancer offer valuable information and resources specifically for men. There are also Facebook groups like Men Talk Breast Cancer, where you can interact with other men in similar situations. Sharing your story and hearing from others can be incredibly empowering and validating. I also must add, the many women I came across going through similar treatment were and continue to be a great source of inspiration to me.

Openly discuss your feelings and concerns with your partner and loved ones. I found their support to be invaluable during difficult times. Prioritize self-care practices like exercise, healthy diet, relaxation techniques and adequate sleep.

You need not be alone

While many men may experience stigma and embarrassment about having a “woman’s disease,” I must admit that was not the case for me—and I want to empower other men to follow suit. Rather than feeling ashamed or reluctant to seek help, I chose to “out” myself with this disease and use all my knowledge to spread the word about the genderless nature of this breast cancer.

Reducing your risk

There are some measures that men can take to reduce their risk of breast cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week can make a big difference in your general health and well-being and can help in maintaining a healthy weight.

• Eat a plant-based diet. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, limit red meat and foods high in salt and cut out processed meats. Avoid drinks with added sugar.
• Évitez ou limitez l’alcool. Drinking alcohol is linked to several cancers, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, oral and liver cancers. To reduce your risk of cancer, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely.

Whether you’re working to educate yourself and reduce your cancer risk or you’ve received a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. There are resources and support available to help you navigate the challenges of male breast cancer. Don’t hesitate to reach out and seek the help you need. For more information on breast cancer in men, visit mbcglobalalliance.org.