On the recordOctober 25, 2011
As we approach the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to address an often overlooked but important part of breast cancer awareness. One percent of all breast cancer patients are men. In 2010, almost 1,970 new male breast cancer cases were reported. Although the current survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is about 87 percent, the rate for men drops to 79 percent. The discrepancy is because many men don't think breast cancer can affect them. As such, they are often diagnosed after the cancer has developed into more advanced stages. One of my constituents in Florida's Fifth District, Herb Wagner, is a 6-year male breast cancer survivor. After his diagnosis in 2005, Herb and his family founded A Man's Pink. The goal of A Man's Pink is to bring awareness to male breast cancer. Early detection is crucial in fighting any type of cancer, and men need to be reminded that breast cancer does not just affect women. For more information on male breast cancer, I encourage folks to learn about A Man's Pink. In the meantime, anybody with concerns should contact their doctor. ____________________
