The Naked Truth

CLOCK PHOTO / NINA WEINSTEIN

One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer within her lifetime, and that is something to be focused on. If that is the case, then about 243 female students currently attending Plymouth State University will develop breast cancer at some point over the course of their life. 

When asked how they would feel if they were to develop breast cancer and lose their breasts, several students had some remarkable things to say. “The thought of getting breast cancer is always on my mind because cancer runs in my family,” said sophomore business major, Devon Smith. “I have a 67% chance of developing breast cancer. Sounds scary, but my aunt survived stage two and my mom’s friend survived stage four; I can fight it if it ever happens. It would mean I would lose my boobs, but oh well, one less thing to worry about.” Caroline Chamberlain, senior sculpture major, said, “When talking about breast cancer, my mom would always ask me if I would get reconstructive surgery following the breast removal surgery. I would always answer with ‘no’.” Chamberlain went on and said, “It would take a bit to get used to, but I’d probably be ok with it. I wouldn’t have to spend money on bras and I could walk around shirtless.”

What is normally overlooked is the fact that breast cancer has been detected and developed in men. Though breast cancer is about 100 times less common amongst men compared to women, about 430 men will die from breast cancer this year. That is still a substantial amount.

When told that 1 in 1,000 men will develop breast cancer, junior elementary education major and The Clock Assistant Photo Editor Colby Aubut said, “It’s scary, but after seeing the women’s statistic, it wasn’t as scary. But it’s definitely more than I expected for sure.” Christopher Ramsden, senior business major said, “That’s pretty understandable, considering men have breasts. I know it’s happened in my family so it’s just something that I’ve always known about.”

Symptoms of developing breast cancer in men and women are not immensely different. Men may notice a lump or swelling in the breast area that is usually, though not always, painless. They may notice nipple retraction, redness around the nipple or on breast, and may even have discharge from the nipple. Women will notice the same symptoms, but also changes in breast shape and size, breast color and touch in terms of hardness, tenderness, or warmth. A diagnostic mammography is used to exam not only a female’s breast, but also male’s. 

Getting checked by a professional every couple of years and doing self-exams are the most important checks when it comes to early detection of breast cancer. When the disease is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98%. 

Plymouth State student’s need to be mindful of the reality at hand, and do what they can to increase awareness amongst friends and family alike. Be educated, be aware, and be early detectors.