Hold Up–Men Get Breast Cancer, Too?! – It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Do you know the risk factors? And did you know men could be victims of breast cancer, too? Find out more right here on Newsymom!

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

I know you’re itching to know the answer, so here it is:

Yes, men can get breast cancer, too! Though it’s less likely to occur in men, 1 in 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. happen in men. (Breast Cancer Awareness, CDC.gov)

Symptoms for Breast Cancer

If you’ve got any of the following symptoms, you should get checked for breast cancer!

Things like:

• Changes in the size or shape of your breast
• Pain in any area of your breast
• Nipple discharge or blood (not breast milk)
• New lump in the breast or under the arm

See your doctor or get screened at the Tuscarawas County Health Department right away by calling (330) 343-5555 x. 174 or 181!

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, the following items are things that increase your risk for developing breast cancer:

• Being a woman
• Being older than 50 years old*
• Having changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes

*Young women can still develop breast cancer. Read stories from real women who were young when breast cancer impacted their lives: Women’s Stories

Do regular preventive care (self-checks, mammograms, etc.) to ensure any cancer is caught early on! The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) can get you and your family scheduled for preventive care for your reproductive health. Call them at (330) 343-5555 x. 174 or 181 to make an appointment. The TCHD accepts most insurances, Medicaid/Medicaid HMO’s and Medicare, as well.

Jump Into Action to Prevent Breast Cancer

Take the following measures into consideration to reduce your risk for breast cancer:

• Learn about your family history of breast and ovarian cancer!

  If a close relative had either, there’s a greater chance you could, too.

• If it’s right for you, do genetic counseling and testing to test for BRCA gene mutations.

• Practice self-care and good health by touching and massaging your breasts regularly!

  Get familiar with your body so the moment something doesn’t feel right, you’ll already know and can alert your doctor.

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The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants you at your peak health! Call them at (330) 343-5555 x. 174 or 181 to make an appointment at their reproductive health and wellness clinic or visit them at www.tchdnow.org to see what services they offer you and your family.

Make sure to follow along on Facebook (@tchdnow) for the latest news and safety tips to keep your reproductive health in tip-top shape!

Melissa Klatt

Reporting