Male breast cancer will be diagnosed in about 2,650 men this year according to Breast Cancer.org. A leading patient advocate for the Male Breast Cancer Coalition bringing awareness to male breast cancer is our guest on episode 10: Male Breast Cancer, of the DiepCJourney podcast.
Michael Singer and his wife Patty share the poignant story of his sister’s death from metastatic breast cancer and how if formed his fierce work in patient advocacy. He has become a strong voice bringing awareness that breast cancer does not discriminate and touches the lives of men, too.
The Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In 2010, Michael felt a lump under his left nipple about the size of a tip of a pencil eraser. Patty advised him to tell his doctor at his routine annual physical exam. Did he? No. Patty asked Michael why he did not tell him. His answer, “Because I was embarrassed”. That did not go over well. After lovingly calling him an asshole, he was cajoled into dealing with this.
Michael had to return for some additional blood work. It was at that appointment he told his physician about the lump. The physician was familiar with the family history and the death of Michael’s sister, Joanne, from breast cancer. He sent him to a surgeon for a follow up and to further assess the lump.
The surgeon performed a needle biopsy in office with Patty sitting by his side. Not finding anything from the biopsy Michael’s surgeon scheduled him for a surgical biopsy. The news was grim. The surgeon told Michael and Patty he did not like what he saw. They honestly did not think about male breast cancer, but the wait was still difficult.
Michael’s Launch into Male Breast Cancer Advocacy
Patty and Michael went back to receive the results of the surgical biopsy. They received the news he had male breast cancer. They both sat in shock. With tears streaming down Patty’s face, all they both had as a point of reference was Joanne’s death from metastatic breast cancer. From her time of diagnosis to death, it was a short year. Patty was thinking she would be a widow at a time in their life when they were going to enjoy more time together as Michael was near retiring.
It was 2010 and they went home to immediately find information on the internet. Their search came up with little or no information on male breast cancer. Michael felt like a freak and with no one to talk to, the isolation for both he and Patty was difficult.
After his single mastectomy in late 2010, while Patty was his caregiver after surgery, they were watching television and saw a teaser about a segment on male breast cancer. It grabbed their attention. They watched the program and sat in amazement at the men who were being interviewed. Brett Miller, a young man, and one of Michael’s childhood heroes, Richard Roundtree of the famous SHAFT movies, were talking about their own experience with male breast cancer. After the show, they called the number listed on the show credits. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Voice of Male Breast Cancer
Michael and Patty have become strong voices for the Male Breast Cancer Coalition. What are Michael’s biggest messages today as he continues his work?
- Be your own best advocate. Go for second opinions if your questions are not being answered.
- Use resources available to you because now there are evidence-based resources in abundance.
- Do not be embarrassed. If you feel something, say something.
Michael and I both now talk about options for male breast reconstruction. In 2010 no mention was made of this for him. I am so honored he and some of his male breast cancer brothers are on the Facebook group I administer for those affected by breast cancer, DiepCJourney. Michael encourages you to speak up at family gatherings to openly discuss family history. A genetic mutation can be passed down from both male and female. He strongly supports and encourages any man who has been diagnosed with male breast cancer to have genetic testing. He also wants to see that Tamoxifen for ER positive male breast cancer be standard of care.
Thankfully, our meeting at SABCS bonded all three of us. I am honored to know these two strong advocates for the Male Breast Cancer Coalition and hope to see them in person soon. As Michael said, “We are anxious to get back in the saddle and hit the road.”
Enjoy the podcast!