HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Men account for only 1% of diagnoses but have higher mortality rates.
Cancer Survivor and Advocate Kent DeAngelis said most men don’t get regular screenings, so by the time they receive a diagnosis, the cancer has progressed and is more difficult to treat.
“We want make sure everybody knows that men can get breast cancer, because male breast cancer is typically diagnosed like stage three and female breast cancer is diagnosed at stage one,” he said. “We want to make sure that everybody knows so everyone has the best chance of navigating this journey and enjoying a healthy, prosperous life.”
DeAngelis said for most of his life, he didn’t know men could get breast cancer. 9 years ago, his wife noticed a lump on his shoulder. A visit to the doctor, a mammogram, and a biopsy later, Kurt was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I knew about breast cancer, like most of the population did. I didn’t know that men could get breast cancer,” he said.
Kurt underwent a mastectomy and 8 rounds of chemotherapy. He said he still deals with the side effects of that treatment, although maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle has helped.
Now, he travels around the U.S. as a mentor to other men who receive a positive diagnosis. Over the years, he said he’s seen many men die because their cancer was detected too late. He encourages men to regularly screen themselves for breast cancer.
“There’s plenty of online, visual diagrams to show the men how to do it,” he said, “and then the prompt response of getting, something looked at that’s abnormal, whether it’s a lump, whether it’s a discolored nipple, an inverted nipple, acting quickly.”
The Male Breast Cancer Alliance provides tutorials on how to check yourself for breast cancer and descriptions of symptoms.
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