Men’s breast cancer a concern, too

Editor:

At a recent dedication of our mammogram room (now the Suzy Room ), I met with Executive Director Sean Shacklett, of Susan G. Komen (foundation) Northeast Ohio Affiliate, where he also awarded our Cancer Detection Clinic $33,800 to complement the levy-funded cancer clinic services.

During this meeting, Shacklett and his staff really opened our eyes to look beyond breast cancer among women and consider the occurrences of breast cancer among men. Since all men have breast tissue, we have always accepted the possibility of breast cancer among men, but to learn that 2,200 diagnosis and 400 deaths occur each year is shocking.

With the newfound realization of the rare, but possible, presence of breast cancer among men, we will now expand our Cancer Clinic services for men beyond PSA tests, skin cancer and colorectal screenings to include breast health.
When it comes to cancer, early detection is the key and I ask you to encourage all men to consult their physician or local cancer detection clinic with breast health concerns.

Thank you to Shacklett and Susan G. Komen foundation not just for their financial support, but for their guidance and a genuine interest in protecting our families, both men and women.

Wesley J. Vins
Lisbon, Ohio
(The author is the Columbiana County Health Commissioner.)