The UK’s first dedicated male breast cancer organisation has launched – here’s why it matters
Lorraine regular Dr Amir Khan and This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams have joined forces to support the launch of the UK’s first ever dedicated male breast cancer organisation. Called Moobs, the organisation was founded by James Richards, 37, who is currently undergoing treatment for the disease after being diagnosed in February, aged 36. Moobs’ main mission is to raise awareness of breast cancer amongst men, and provide a helpful resource for men who get diagnosed. The organisation also runs a monthly support group via Zoom, to ‘help reduce the isolation’ for men affected. “As a male, I’ve always been aware of the risks of prostate and testicular cancer, but I had no idea men were able to get breast cancer – you just don’t hear of it,” said Richards. “In the days following my diagnosis, I was surprised by the lack of tailored support and information readily available around the disease, and much of my treatment plan was based on what was offered to women. “There are differences, but with so few cases and a lack of funding for male breast cancer, we are in danger of isolating those that need support the most.” Around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the UK. There are also around 400 new diagnoses a year in men – yet awareness of the condition in males is much lower. It’s believed this is contributing to men being less likely to see their doctor when early signs arise, and a 2019 US study found male breast cancer patients have a 19% higher mortality rate than women. As with women, male breast cancer tends to mostly affect older men, aged 60-70. However, it can potentially occur in younger men too, so being aware of the symptoms is important for everyone. Checking for signs When it comes to checking for warning signs, Dr Amir Khan said it’s “very similar” for both men and women. “I always say to women, be ‘breast aware’ – so that’s knowing what’s normal for you, and then being aware of any changes and getting them checked, and it’s exactly the same for men,” Khan told the PA news agency. “[Often] men don’t know that they’ve got breast tissue – but all men have breast tissue, and that means they’re at risk of getting breast cancer. It is a much lower risk than in women, but the risk is still there. “So what I would say to men is, just as often as you check your balls for any lumps, you should be checking your breasts as well. Do them both – balls and breasts – in the shower, once a month.” Khan explained that the “majority of the breast tissue in men is located around the nipple area -so that is the part you need to be hyper vigilant about” when checking for changes. “But saying that, you should be checking the whole of your chest area, right up to the collarbone and under your arm. “As well as that, nipple changes are really important too – so if one nipple has suddenly changed, if it’s pointing inward instead of outward, or if there’s any skin dimpling, any new unexplained rashes around the breast area, or even unexplained persistent breast pain or chest pain, get that checked out.” See your GP While these things don’t mean you definitely have cancer, it’s always best to get things checked with your GP quickly. “We will be able to either reassure you, or make that onward referral. And it is incredibly rare – we’re talking 400 or so men each year diagnosed with breast cancer,” Khan added. “But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the longer you leave it [if it is cancer], sadly, the worse the outcome is likely to be. So as soon as you pick anything up, go and see someone.” For more information, visit moobs.uk Read More How Taylor Swift’s style has evolved over the years Model Emily Ratajkowski unveils latest fashion campaign 10 ways to cosy-up your home for an autumnal vibe 5 must-have bag trends for autumn Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’ Everything you need to know about bedbugs as increase in numbers is predicted
2023-10-13 13:29
2023 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Annual Awards of Excellence Winners Announced
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 13, 2023--
2023-10-13 13:29
Asia Stocks Drop as Fed Rate Hikes Back in Focus: Markets Wrap
The rally in Asian equities halted as Treasury yields surged after US inflation data bolstered bets on Federal
2023-10-13 13:25
Kaitlan Collins reports on Donald Trump's 'rigged' election-Hamas attack link, Internet shreds ex-POTUS
In a campaign event in Florida, Donald Trump tied the recent Hamas attack on Israel to his baseless claims of 2020 election fraud
2023-10-13 13:24
Zainab Abbas: Pakistan reporter who left India sorry for old posts
Zainab Abbas says she left because she was scared by a backlash over her old social media posts.
2023-10-13 13:19
Exclusive-Banks assess China risks after being stung by Russia sanctions
By Iain Withers and Kirstin Ridley LONDON Big banks in Britain are preparing for any future escalation of
2023-10-13 13:15
Biden is talking about green energy and jobs in Pennsylvania again. Will his message break through?
President Joe Biden is going to Pennsylvania again
2023-10-13 12:55
Japan households' inflation expectations rise slightly -BOJ poll
TOKYO Japanese households' inflation expectations rose slightly in the three months to September, a central bank quarterly survey
2023-10-13 12:50
Israel calls for all civilians to leave Gaza City
By Henriette Chacar, Michelle Nichols and Humeyra Pamuk JERUSALEM/NEW YORK/TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Israel's military on Friday called for all civilians
2023-10-13 12:50
China's exports, imports fell 6.2% in September as global demand faltered
China has reported its exports and imports both fell in September from a year earlier as global demand remained muted
2023-10-13 12:45
Afghans in UK visa limbo as Pakistan vows to expel migrants
Afghans who worked with the UK are living in fear in Pakistan as it cracks down on migrants without visas.
2023-10-13 12:45
Trump's turn against Israel offers stark reminder of what his diplomacy looks like
Donald Trump's inflammatory and artless comments about Hamas' horror in Israel emphasize the defining characteristic of his attitude toward foreign policy and his entire political world view: It's all about him.
2023-10-13 12:26
