Breast cancer is mainly associated with women. It turns out that it also applies to men

Breast cancer is mainly associated with women. Among them, it is the most common malignant tumor, but importantly – although to a much lesser extent – it also affects men, as Mr. Krzysztof found out. – I just felt two larger lumps on my chest – says Mr. Krzysztof and adds that he went to the doctor immediately. – Even for him it was a shock that a person, a man, had breast cancer – the man recalls.

Mr. Krzysztof first underwent chemotherapy, then surgery and radiotherapy. Now he comes for checkups every few months. – Everyone is looking at me. Only women, only one such person was found – he says.

Breast cancer in men accounts for approximately one percent of all breast cancers and less than one percent of cancers in men. – Women in these men's families often suffered from breast cancer or ovarian cancer – points out Dr. Agnieszka Jagiełło-Guszfeld, a clinical oncologist from the Masovian Oncological Hospital.

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The main problem for men – as doctors point out – is the late detection of this cancer. Men are simply ashamed or downplay the symptoms because awareness of the disease among men is low, adds Jakub Popławski, a photographer and producer of a calendar with photos of naked men, who thus encouraged women to get tested. – We don't talk in sports circles or with our wives. I think that awareness is very low, but this is due to the fact that the percentage of men with the disease is small – says Jakub Popławski, photographer and ambassador of the “Onkocafe” Foundation.

The risk of developing breast cancer in men increases with age, and it is worth knowing what symptoms are disturbing.

– Typically, it may be a simple lump that appears primarily in the papilla. The nipple may be retracted and the skin may become ulcerated – says Dr. Aleksandra Konieczna, a clinical oncologist from the National Institute of Oncology in Warsaw. – If a man detects any lumps in his breast, he should definitely see a doctor – says Alla Leder from the Łódź Provincial Branch of the National Health Fund.

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The addressees of these words may also be women who should examine their breasts themselves once a month, which is a complement to tests such as ultrasound or mammography, which women aged 45-74 can do as part of a free preventive program. And Pink October – breast cancer awareness month – may be a good opportunity for this.

– Generally, this pink October is not only an October addressed to women, but also to people who may suffer from breast cancer in general – says Dr. Joanna Kufel-Grabowska, a clinical oncologist from the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk.