Know The Signs: Green Country Doctor Addresses Male Breast Cancer

When people think of breast cancer, they often associate it with “pink” and primarily with women.

However, before October ends, one doctor from Green Country wants to remind everyone that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important for men as well.

Dr. Clint Merritt with Utica Park Clinic tells me early detection is key to survival for male breast cancer patients, so knowing the signs is important.

Dr. Merritt says male breast cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases, making it significantly rarer than cases in females.

He says just like women, most men diagnosed with breast cancer often have a family history or personal history of breast issues.

“Older men are really the ones who should be most suspicious for signs for symptom changes in their breast tissue and so we tell them that’s a really kind of prime-age if you will for breast cancer to develop,” Merritt said.  "It's very extremely rare to see breast cancer in a younger man under the age of 50 or 60 unless they have genetic positivity or genetic history of breast cancer in their family."

Dr. Merritt suggests seeing your primary care physician if you have symptoms like a sharp stabbing pain in the breast, severe weight changes, or a lump.