Women and men alike should take time to understand a disease that can have considerable affect on both their lives. Breast cancer is not only a woman’s issue, and all too often men fail to realize the warning signs their bodies tell them.

According to the American Cancer Society Web site, breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. Most breast cancers start in the cells that line the ducts, the small tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple, while some start in the lobules or the other tissues.

Photo Illustration by Kate Olsen

“Women, especially those with family history for cancer, should perform monthly self breast exams,” Todd Riley, UW-Platteville pathologist, said. Breasts are made up of natural lumps, and it is important for women to know about their own breasts in order to know when there is something that doesn’t feel right.

“For women, statistics state there is a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer,” Riley said. “However, it’s important to know that the odds go up as you get older, so for 18-25-year-olds the odds are significantly lower.”

“Breast cancer is most often linked to women, although men are equally at risk for developing the cancer,” Riley said. Men do not have as much fatty tissue as women; the lack in tissue has the potential to lead to more severe symptoms if men do not get diagnosed.

The percentage of men getting diagnosed with breast cancer is about 100 times less than women, but the risk is just as prominent. It is important for men to understand the disease, and go in immediately when they notice a lump or irregularity.

“Women are more proactive, whereas men tend to come in later, partly out of ignorance,” Riley said.

“Men tend to monitor the lumps they find for awhile before going in to get checked out,” Riley said. Studies have shown that men and women diagnosed in the same stage have a similar rate of survival, but it is more likely for men to be diagnosed at later stages due to prolonging check outs.

“It’s a smaller percentage of men who get diagnosed, but I think it’s important for them to be aware,” Nicole Mours, senior mechanical engineer, said.

“If a suspicious lump is found in the breast, or something is found during an exam, the next step is to test a sample and determine if the cyst is cancerous,” Riley said. The most common tests include taking a core sample and conducting a biopsy or breast ultrasound.

After determining a lump cancerous, the next step is to determine the stage the cancer is at, which will also determine the treatment options. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, treatment can consist of chemotherapy, radiation and various forms of therapy.

In order to determine the survival rate of a patient once diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to determine the stage the cancer is at. Stages 0 and I have 100 percent survival rates, Stage II has 86 percent, Stage III has 57 percent, Stage IV has 20 percent.

“Not only should women do monthly self breast exams, they should get a yearly checkup as well,” Riley said. Women in their 40s should start getting mammograms, however women with a history of breast cancer should start getting them earlier to be safe.

“The Susan G. Komen Foundation provides support and knowledge about breast cancer, especially during breast cancer month,” Mours said. It is important to be aware of the disease, and who can be affected. The Foundation also offers a support line for people to talk to someone directly.

“This month helps create awareness for this type of cancer, as well as other cancers,” Mours said. “It’s important to have an awareness and be supportive and strong for those who are diagnosed.”