041 Male breast cancer is on the rise!

Feb 5, 2020

Dr. Zehr is the scientific editor for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, which produces two peer-reviewed journals, Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist.  Dr. Zehr holds a doctorate in biomedical science with focuses in cardiovascular physiology and fatty acid metabolism. 

 

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kayla Zehr revisit male breast cancer, because recent investigations report that it is on the rise.   This is not a disease that only affects women. Men can and do get breast cancer, and they are getting it more frequently: the rate has been increasing, 26% in the last three decades. They discuss the similarities in breast cancer between men and women, as well as the increased risk for transgendered individuals. Men often ignore symptoms or feel stigmatized by breast disease and thus delay seeking medical examinations.   Thus, they are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage of the disease.  

 

 Key Takeaways:

• Men, as in women, with a 1st degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer have a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer themselves.
• Unfortunately, probably through lack of awareness or fear of stigmatization, men tend to be diagnosed when their breast cancer is at a more advanced stage and, thus, their treatment outcomes are not as successful as for women.
• Men should engage in the same self-examination processes as women and, if diagnosed, should be helped to not feel isolated.

 

"There were men with breast cancer who reported feeling isolated from some members of their family, some members of their friends and coworkers, because when they told people they have breast cancer, these individuals didn't know how to react or how to support them." —  Dr. Kayla Zehr

 

Connect with Dr. Kayla Zehr:

Article: Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in Men.

LinkedIn: Kayla Zehr, PhD

 

Connect with Therese:

Website:   www.criticallyspeaking.net

Twitter: @CritiSpeak

Email: [e-mail]

 

 

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