Pink ribbons in October are a familiar symbol of breast cancer awareness, but they rarely bring to mind the stories of Black men who are also part of the fight. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Root is highlighting this disease that affects less than one percent of men in the United States, yet disproportionately impacts Black men.
When Breast Cancer is Branded a “Woman’s Disease”
Although women are diagnosed with breast cancer much more often than men, the disease is not exclusively a woman’s health issue. The American Cancer Society reports that non-Hispanic Black men are 52 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than white men. Like their female counterparts, Black men with breast cancer are more likely to die from it than men of other races and ethnicities, according to Susan G. Komen.
When breast cancer awareness campaigns and support resources do not include men’s experiences, it can be harder for men to recognize the disease as a relevant health concern. For Black men, this lack of visibility can make a difficult situation feel even more isolating.
Knowing The Warning Signs
Being aware of breast cancer also means knowing the signs. In men, symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the breast, nipple discharge, changes in the nipple or breast skin and swollen lymph nodes under the arm, according to the National Cancer Institute.
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Most breast changes are not cancer, but men who notice anything unusual should make an appointment with a health care professional as soon as possible. Noticing symptoms early and getting checked are key steps to understanding what’s going on and getting the right care.
The American Cancer Society says it is still unclear why Black men have higher rates of breast cancer than white men, but barriers like less access to screening and delayed diagnosis worsen outcomes for Black men. Several factors can increase a man’s risk, including older age, a family history of breast cancer, hormonal imbalances, excess body weight and heavy alcohol use. Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have also been linked to increased risk. In 2019, music executive Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father, publicly shared that he discovered his breast cancer after genetic testing revealed he carried the BRCA2 mutation.
Finding Support After a Diagnosis
For men with breast cancer, the rare diagnosis can come with feelings of isolation and embarrassment, according to the American Cancer Society. Men may feel out of place in breast cancer support spaces designed for women, but support is available, and everyone can benefit from reaching out to others.
Men can contact Susan G. Komen’s Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 for help finding local, online or telephone-based support groups. For those who prefer virtual connections, Male Breast Cancer Happens offers virtual support groups, online discussion spaces and opportunities to connect one-on-one with other men diagnosed with breast cancer. HIS Breast Cancer Awareness also provides an online community for men affected by breast and hereditary cancers.
While these resources aren’t specifically geared toward Black men, they make it easier to find information and talk to others who understand the challenges of a male breast cancer diagnosis.
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