Out of the Shadow of Pink, founded by Cathy Reid in 2005 after her husband Joe was diagnosed with male breast cancer, has joined together with The Brandon Greening Foundation in a new push to spread awareness about the rare disease.
“Joe had noticed the lump a few months prior to his diagnosis, but being unaware that men could develop the disease, mistakenly assumed it was a weight lifting injury,” said Reid. “By the time he sought out medical advice he was already stage IV with metastases to his bones and lungs.”
Joe Reid underwent aggressive treatment at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, but the late diagnosis was more than he could overcome. He lost his battle with male breast cancer in September 2008.
Greening began his foundation in 2007 after learning of his own diagnosis. The United Parcel Service veteran and youth football coach has twice driven his cancer into remission, only to see it return.
The American Cancer Society’s estimate for annual male breast cancer diagnoses has increased 66% since 2005. Breast cancer mortality rates remain much higher in men than women due in large part to earlier diagnoses in women. Greening stresses the importance of men, specifically those over age forty or with a family history of breast cancer, getting checked out at the first sign of any abnormality.
“As proven by the pink ribbon campaign, early detection is the best method to stop breast cancer in its tracks,” said Reid. “In order that the same opportunity be afforded to men, it is vital that we create a Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.”
To get involved, please visit:
Out of the Shadow of Pink -
http://www.outoftheshadowofpink.com/
The Brandon Greening Foundation - http://www.breastcancerinmen.org
