October Message from Carol Jackson, Executive Director

Posted October 17, 2023

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Male Breast Cancer

Our country has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for nearly four decades. It is annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer — including metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality health care.

While we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we desire to support both women and men in understanding the necessity of taking care of their bodies and getting the wellness screenings needed to support excellent health.

In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Because Families Matter cares about the men we serve, I decided to write about Male Breast Cancer this month. Here are a few facts about Male Breast Cancer:

• Male Breast Cancer is a rare disease that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue of men.
• While I know little about Male Breast Cancer, I think it necessary to acknowledge this disease as Families Matter is an educational organization dedicated to increasing boys, young men, and seasoned men on educational issues that concern them.
• Remember, our mission is to Strengthen Families, Change Lives, and Transform Memphis. The family is strengthened when the father is healthy and can provide love, guidance, protection, and financial stability to his family.
• Male breast cancer is not common, but that makes it no less debilitating. It happens most often in older men, though it can occur at any age.
• Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer can include:
• A painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest.
• Changes to the skin covering the chest, such as dimpling, puckering, scaling, or changes in skin color.
• Changes to the nipple, such as skin color or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward.
• Discharge or bleeding from the nipple.

Men, Families Matter is concerned about you and your total well-being.  If you have symptoms that concern you, please contact your doctor or health care professional immediately. You are essential to your family, your children, and to society.

Many men may be uncomfortable discussing their health issues with people, so it becomes essential to spread the word through our contacts and networks. This will also help make more men feel it is expected and necessary to talk about their health instead of pushing it to the side. Men – take great care of your health.

Carol Jackson

Executive Director