MALE Breast Cancer

[SupportMBC]

My husband was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in Aug 2008. He is only 24!  Apparently this is very rare.  He had a mastectomy Sep 5th.  Tumor size 1.4.  We talk to the surgery doctor tomorrow morning to find out the prognosis.  His BRCA 2 gene came back neg.  Lymph nodes came back negative even though they did find microscopic amount of cancer in them.  Looking at the pathology reports grade7/9, stage 2/3.  Is this a common number?  What do I need to expect now?  Is there a support team for MALE breast cancer?  
         Thanks,
              Kelly  

[lizziecee]

Hi Kelly, the English charity, breast cancer care has a forum for men with breast cancer. URL is: breastcancercare.org.uk

[whizmedico]

Hi.I came across a website called bcsupport.org.I guess it's got a support group for male breast cancer patients and survivors.all the best to both of you.take care.

[SupportMBC]

thank you so much!  I will check it out..
     Kelly

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Kelly, Male breast cancer is rare, but one out of every 150 cases of breast cancer involves a man, usually in men over 60 years old.  Treatment of male breast cancer uses the same modalities as are used to treat females with breast cancer, these may include use of surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, biologic therapy and/or chemotherapy.  Decisions regarding treatment are based on such factors as stage of disease, tumor characteristics (size of tumor, hormone receptor status, Her2 status), lymph node status.  Your husband will likely be seen by a medical oncologist who will discuss what follow up treatments will be appropriate with his situation.  In regard to support groups for persons with male breast cancer, this may be difficult because the numbers are small, however some communities do have such groups.  You may have more luck finding online support communities.