Info about breast cancer in men

Men with BRCA mutations, especially men with BRCA2 mutations are at significantly increased risk for breast cancer when compared with other men.  Because only one percent of all breast cancers occur in men, it is often thought of as a woman's disease, perhaps even more so because the breast cancer logo is pink.

But men do get breast cancer and the disease can be particularly devastating for men because it is often diagnosed at a later stage.  Early diagnosis requires men to be aware of changes on their chests and can lead to successful treatment for breast cancer.  A number of organizations are seeking to raise awareness of the potential for men to develop breast cancer and to provide information to me about this disease, including His Breast Cancer Awareness.

Another great organization with support and information specifically for men is the John W. Nick Foundation which sponsors the MaleBreastCancer.org website.  As their logo says "men get breast cancer too!"  If your family has a known BRCA mutation, the men you love should be directed to these sites and should speak with a certified genetic counselor or medical geneticist about their risk.