Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

October is breast cancer awareness month and this week is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. While more rare than in women (< 1% of breast cancer according to the national cancer institute,) breast cancer in men is often further along when diagnosed due to less routine screening or awareness of risks. Knowledge is Power – Increased awareness leads to early detection and increased survival.

Couples with Breast Cancer  Husband and wives faced with breast cancer, and their inspiring stories – Meg and Gerard Campion and Kara and Mike Selsman. Kara’s breast cancer was caught at an early stage due to routine screening. By the time Mike’s breast cancer was diagnosed, it was more advanced with metastasis to the lungs and bones. Hear their stories and efforts and increasing awareness of male breast cancer.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/10/20/husband-and-wife-battle-breast-cancer-together/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gerard-meg-campion-male-breast-cancer_561bcd56e4b0e66ad4c88624

Marines with Breast Cancer at Camp Lejeune –

Are You At Risk of Male Breast Cancer? Increased risks for male breast cancer include –

• radiation exposure
• high levels of estrogen
• inherited genetic mutations
• family history of breast cancer

EARLY DETECTION – Self-Breast Exams for Men and Women. What to look for and report to your physician – 

• Lump or thickening in the breast, chest or underarm area
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling, pulling in, puckering or redness of the skin of the breast or nipple
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Discharge (drainage) from the nipple

Note – Men tend to have much less breast tissue compared to women, so some of these signs can be easier to notice in men than in women.

Prevention of Breast Cancer (for Men and Women) Includes a Healthy lifestyle —

• healthy eating
• regular exercise
• maintain a healthy weight
• don’t smoke,
• limit alcohol.

Check with your physician about prevention, risks, screening, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

For more information about risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of male breast cancer –

http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/male-breast-treatment-pdq

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/male_bc

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerScreeningForMenAtHigherRisk.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/basics/symptoms/con-20025972

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763567

Early Detection Saves Lives – Breast Cancer Awareness for Men and Women

Enjoy today in a health way, and be well,   Karen Pischke

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

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