On Tuesday we heard the welcome news that the UK’s first dedicated male breast cancer organisation has launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The organisation called Moobs was founded by 37- year old James Richards who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and is currently undergoing treatment.

 The aim of the organisation is to raise awareness of breast cancer in men and offer support to those that have been diagnosed.

 At JMW we are well aware of the devastating effects of delayed diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer having worked on behalf of many patients and their families. We therefore support any new initiative which will raise awareness of signs and symptoms of the disease in the hope that this will lead to earlier diagnosis for many more men and women.

 We also know how beneficial our female breast cancer clients value support groups and services and hopefully the launch of Moobs will result in much needed tailored support now being available to men at a time when they need it the most.

 The newly created Moobs website states:

 “The group was created in response to a lack of awareness of the disease in men, with breast cancer perceived as a solely “female” disease. This deep-seated misperception is also entrenched through the treatment provided by both public and private medical bodies, and within the literature and support given to patients diagnosed with the disease.”

Prior to the launch of Moobs, many men diagnosed with breast cancer found that there was a lack of tailored support for them which made them feel very isolated.

Whilst most men are aware of the symptoms of more common male cancers including testicular and prostate cancer, many are completely unaware that men can get breast cancer.

Around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, making it the most common form of cancer. However, around 400 men are also diagnosed with the disease each year, so it is important that men are aware of the symptoms to look out for.

Reduced awareness of breast cancer in men is believed to be contributing to delays in them seeking medical advice when early signs and symptoms arise. It is therefore not surprising that a US study in 2019 found men with breast cancer have a 19 per cent higher mortality rate than women.

Breast cancer in men is more common in the over 60s but can affect men of any age. It is therefore crucial that everyone is aware of the symptoms to look out for.

The NHS website lists the symptoms of breast cancer in men as follows:

·         A lump in the breast

·         The nipple turning inwards

·         Fluid oozing from the nipple, which may be streaked with blood

·         A sore or rash around the nipple that does not go away

·         The nipple or surrounding skin becoming hard, red or swollen

·         Small bumps in the armpit.

Awareness of the signs of any cancer ultimately saves lives, so we urge men not to consider breast cancer solely a female disease and have any worrying changes checked out.