testicular cancer during a shower, do the same for breast cancer. Heck, you can even have your partner help you check to make it a little more fun!
The best way is to start with your mirror, tighten that Hollywood physique of yours, and look for any swelling or dimpling near your nipples.
Just remember: a lump isn’t the end-all-be-all. There are various types of breast cancer, so the symptoms vary. A lot of times it won’t hurt, and in the case of armpit or collarbone lumps, you might overlook it as something else.
What Happens If I Find Something?
As previously mentioned, the chances of breast cancer in Black men are still very slim. In fact, the average age of diagnosis isn’t till you’re about 72. You’re also more likely to get it if you have a family with breast cancer or a certain mutation in what’s called the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
If you’re worried about a possible family or genetic cause, you can always undergo genetic testing.
Of course, just because you notice the above symptoms, doesn’t mean you need to get worked up. It could be nothing, but it’s still worth bringing up to your doctor. You can even get a mammogram if your doctor has concerns.
As for prevention? One of the best things you can do is mind your risk factors. Being overweight, drinking like a fish, smoking marijuana excessively, and working in certain conditions like steel mills are all linked to increased risk.
If you’ve got issues with your liver, thyroid, or testicles, you may also be at higher risk.
When it’s all said and done, breast cancer in men is one of those things that, while rare, can be quite a surprise if you’re not actively screening. If caught early and the cancer’s just in your breast, your ‘survival rate’ – a scary term, I know – is great. As in, over 95 percent.
What Treatments Are There?
Again, it all depends on the stage of your cancer. If the cancer has spread, multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy may be required. No two cases are the same, so it’s going to be personalized no matter what happens.
The procedures and technologies are so amazing today, that physicians can tell you how quickly your cancer may grow, and how likely it is to recur.
Rest assured, if you’re feeling down, cursing your luck that of all the guys you know, you got breast cancer, there are plenty of treatment options to get you back to feeling yourself!