KISS Rocker Raises Male Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer, contrary to popular belief, can occur in men. Although male breast cancer is a hundred times less common than with women, it is a dangerous disease. According to the American Cancer Society, 1,910 new cases of breast cancer in men were recorded in 2009. It is estimated that 440 men in the United States will die from the disease this year.
Really? Men Have Breast Cancer?
Although men are not thought of as having breasts, they do have breast tissue that exists in small amounts behind the nipples. As such, men are not immune from the occurrence of breast cancer. It is easier to detect cancer in men because an asymmetrical lump tends to appear. However, the problem is that men tend to ignore symptoms. The signs of male breast cancer are similar to those found in women: enlarged breasts, lumps, discharge, and pain. Men who experience or observe these symptoms are encouraged to avail of health insurance options for breast cancer and have themselves checked out.
An Unlikely Advocate Takes Up the Breast Cancer Cause
One celebrity that is raising awareness on male breast cancer is Peter Criss, a founding member of rock band KISS. The voice behind classic song such as “Beth” and “Hard Luck Woman” discovered a lump on his left breast in December 2007. He underwent tests which confirmed that the lump was malignant.
Now cancer-free, Criss aims to educate other men that there needs to be a change in attitude in order prevent and treat the disease. Machines such as mammograms are not designed for men, which makes their use difficult and uncomfortable. Criss indicates that his autobiography and new rock album were influenced by his struggle with cancer. He hopes that his rocker persona can remove the stigma of male breast cancer in other men.
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photo credit: 2Clix
November 20th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Why do you have a picture of Gene Simmons when it is Peter Criss that is trying to raise awareness?