Awareness for breast cancer in women gets a lot of media attention, and rightly so - in 2022, it was estimated that 3,214 deaths resulted from this terrible disease. Of this statistic, 3178 were female and 36 were male. This year it is predicted that 217 men will be diagnosed with the disease.

It's a statistic that may surprise some as it is still a common misconception that breast cancer is only a woman’s disease. In fact, the risk for a man to be diagnosed with breast cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 542.  

Today, October 20, is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day. 

To raise awareness, one man telling his personal story is "Paul" who was diagnosed with early breast cancer diagnosis in 2018 and then with metastatic breast cancer a few years later.  

Paul is now a Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) member and is used to unusual reactions to his diagnosis.

“I often get a surprised reaction when I tell people I have breast cancer,” Paul said. “For me, I just have cancer. If you solely use the word ‘women’ to describe breast cancer, you’re mostly correct. But you’re still incorrect."

Paul has recently holidayed with his young family and is determined to keep passion at the centre of his life.  “I’d like other men to be comfortable to share their diagnosis and seek out any support they need,” he said. 

Paul's story was recently published in the BCNA's latest edition of their magazine, "The Beacon". 

BCNA’s network includes many men who have been generous in sharing their stories to help raise awareness of breast cancer in males.  

You can read more incredible personal stories shared by our members, including Phil who was diagnosed in 2020 and had no idea men could get breast cancer. Also, the late Harry Brooks who was a passionate advocate for men diagnosed with breast cancer.  

BCNA’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Living Well, Your Way”. With 20,458 women and 217 men expected to receive a diagnosis in 2023, raising awareness around the different support and resources available to help people live well with or beyond breast cancer is essential.

Those affected by breast cancer are likely to require different types of support at different times. BCNA offer trusted information and a variety of resources including a free Helpline; 1800 500 258