Third Week of October is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week- Plan your Promotions

Did you know that men too can be at risk of breast cancer though rarely?  Spread the word! In  men it may account for less than 1% of all cases of cancer. However, because of its rarity, not much information is available on the occurrence and survival rates on male breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and third week of October is dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer in men.  Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week was established in 2009  by a group of male breast cancer organizations.

About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2019

Male breast cancer isn’t something that gets a lot of attention. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is only very slim at about 1 in 883 while for women it is 1 in 8! In other words, Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than men.Most men won’t even consider the possibility that they can ever have breast cancer.

Overall survival rates are lower for men than for women

The overall survival rates are lower for men than for women because of late diagnosis and less awareness of the disease.Breast cancer affects males differently, as they have less  breast tissues compared to females, which makes it easier to detect small lumps, However, as there is not enough space in the breast tissues for the cancer cells to grow , the possibility of spreading to nearby tissues is fairly high among men.

In around 40% of men with breast cancer, late diagnosis happens in stage 3 or 4, when it has already spread to other parts of the body, which reduces the survival rates.  So, it is important to spread awareness on male breast cancer and to seek help as soon as a person notices changes.

Early diagnosis

For men also, like women, doing a breast self-exam can be the most effective way to detect signs of breast cancer early and improve chances of survival. If you find something abnormal the changes can be checked out by a doctor can make all the difference in a diagnosis.

Awareness is important

Cancer clinics, non-profit health care institutions and business organizations can all put their hands together in spreading awareness of male breast cancer during breast cancer awareness month. Organizing free health check up or health quiz contents are some of the many options that can be considered.

If you are planning to hand out custom handouts, here are a few options.

Pink ribbon has been the universally accepted symbol of breast cancer awareness.  Pink Awareness Ribbon Shaped Flexible Key Tags will make a great handout during health events and tradeshows.

Pink Ribbon Magnetic Memo Clip Holder is another choice. Get the awareness message imprinted on these everyday items to spread the word and inspire everyone to think pink!

ProImprint has an exclusive section of breast cancer awareness handouts in a variety of models. Browse along and choose a giveaway that will make people aware of the risks of breast cancer even among men!

How are you celebrating Male Breast Cancer Awareness week? We’d love to hear your ideas!