By SAM KNEW, MSW
It’s encouraging to see so many pink ribbons and bumper stickers (like my personal favorite “save the tatas”), which symbolize the fight for a cure to cancer – and a show support for those who are fighting for their lives. However, it’s concerning that so many men are under the impression this is a campaign only targeted at women. But who knew of the dangers of men developing and surviving breast cancer?
The chances of a man developing breast cancer are significantly lower than for a woman. Primary due to that fact that a man’s breast tissue and ducts are not in continual exposure to specific hormones primarily found in women, including estrogen and gonadotropin. However, that is not to say men’s breasts are not undergoing any hormone growth changes. The mild growth does put men at a one in 1,000 chance of developing one of the five types of breast cancers. The National Cancer Institute reported that there were 1,970 cases of male breast cancer in 2010, 390 resulted in death. This does not include the potential for benign (non cancers) breast disorders.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS):
Gynecomastia is the most common male breast disorder. It is not a tumor but rather an increase in the amount of a man’s breast tissue. Usually, men have too little breast tissue to be felt or noticed. A man with gynecomastia has a button-like or disk-like growth under his nipple and areola, which can be felt and sometimes seen. Although gynecomastia is much more common than breast cancer in men, both can be felt as a growth under the nipple, which is why it’s important to have any such lumps checked by your doctor.
Unfortunately, some gay men are not as open with their doctors and many male related cancers go undiagnosed and untreated. One reason for this lack of trust with one’s medical provider is a fear of discrimination. Others have actually had a negative experience with their health care professional. This poor patient/doctor relationship can lead to serious consequences. “Missing routine cancer screenings can lead to cancer being diagnosed at a later stage, when it’s harder to treat,” according to the ACS. More importantly – it may result in a higher morbidity and mortality. And with the long list of other cancers men are at risk of, especially gay and bisexual men – every second may count.
As with anyone who smokes, there is a risk of developing lung cancer. However, gay and by sexual men are more than 10 percent more likely to smoke, which according to ACS is responsible for nearly 87 percent of all lung cancers. For in individuals with a compromised immune system (such as with HIV) recovery is even more challenging. Skin cancer doesn’t really have any higher rate with one’s sexuality; however, for anyone who enjoys basking in our great Florida sun, you may find yourself at a greater risk.
Additionally, skin tone and family history plays a role. Prostate and colon cancer is more common in men over the age of 50, but again smoking and diet (red meat) increases those odds.
Apparently, sexuality does have an influence on increased risk of anal cancer. Gay and bisexual men are 17 percent more likely to develop anal cancer. In addition, contraction of human papillomavirus (HPV) (a sexually transmitted infection) increases those risks, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. Penile cancer is also a risk factor linked to HPV, affecting 800 men annually according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Testicular cancer affects near 10 times that many men each year, putting men between the ages of 20 and 54 higher at risk.
Overall the picture should be clear. The “Big C” is nothing to ignore. Your race, gender and sexual orientation doesn’t immune you – it may even increase your risk. Your best bet is early detection and an open relationship with your doctor; shockingly something four in 10 gay men don’t have. But that’s another story.
