The campaign aims to shed light on a persistent misconception. Many still believe that breast cancer is exclusively a women’s issue, but the reality is quite different.
In 2023, an estimated 217 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in Australia. The lifetime risk for men to be diagnosed with breast cancer is 1 in 542.
Living with breast cancer
Paul, a member of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), was initially diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2018. Later, he received the challenging diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. When he reveals his breast cancer battle, he often encounters surprised reactions. As Paul aptly puts it, “For me, I just have cancer. If you solely use the word ‘women’ to describe breast cancer, you’re mostly correct. But you’re still incorrect.”
Returning from a holiday with his young family, Paul remains determined to keep passion at the centre of his life. He advocates for men to feel comfortable sharing their diagnoses and seeking the support they need.
BCNA’s network encompasses numerous men who generously share their stories, contributing to raising awareness of male breast cancer. These stories include that of Phil, diagnosed in 2020, who had no prior knowledge that men could be affected by breast cancer.
BCNA’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Living Well, Your Way.”
With an estimated 20,458 women and 217 men projected to receive diagnoses in 2023, it is imperative to raise awareness about the diverse support and resources available to help individuals live well with or beyond breast cancer.
