Breast cancer affects more than 2750 New Zealand women every year, but it's not just a woman's disease. Each year around 20 men are also diagnosed with breast cancer.
Many of the men who are diagnosed may have a family history of the disease and may carry the faulty genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 which means they are more susceptible to breast cancer.
Men should be on the lookout for similar symptoms to women, including:
- a lump or lumpiness around your nipple
- a change in the shape of your nipple
- bleeding from the nipple
- pain in the nipple or pectoral area
Men should act quickly if they notice any of these kinds of changes. Some men may feel embarrassed about seeking medical attention and may not even know that men can get breast cancer.
But seeking medical advice quickly is one of your best defences against breast cancer. The earlier you seek help, the more likely you are to beat the disease.
Many men diagnosed with breast cancer may feel uncomfortable talking about the disease with others. They may fear they will be teased or made fun of because breast cancer is usually associated with women.
However, the more open you are about the disease, the easier it will be for others to accept and understand your diagnosis.
Find out more on our men with breast cancer pages, where we also link to some helpful resources and view the BCAC web videos here.
