Men express disbelief and shock after finding out  through diagnosis that they have cancer.

Founder of the Male Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) Cheri Ambrose says the majority of the men that their globally recognised Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) has connected with are surprised when they get the results of their diagnosis.

Ms Ambrose said these men either reacted in shock or disbelief and were usually stigmatised.

She said men actually felt afraid of being called a ‘freak’ for having what everyone perceived as a Women’s Disease.

“These men quickly learn that in some cases they have been passed the breast cancer gene (BRCA) by their fathers or mothers and in some cases they pass this on to their children.

She said men were diagnosed at the latter stages due to the fact that they ignored the signs thinking it must be something they bumped up against or often when brought to their doctors’ attention their doctors tell them it was nothing to worry about.

She said they often find themselves needing to educate most members of the medical communities they visit.

She said in terms of statistics approximately 2470 men have been diagnosed with breast cancer with 460 estimated deaths.

The Fiji Cancer Society has recorded five known cases. Three have been fatal while two are undergoing treatment.

“Eparama Jale from Noco is one of the two males in Fiji whom we have reported,” she said.

144 were diagnosed in Australia with 43 estimated deaths.

350 were diagnosed in the United Kingdom and 230 in Canada with 43 estimated deaths.

She said currently around 20 men were diagnosed with breast cancer  in New Zealand.

Mr Jale is from Noco in Rewa and is the first recorded male victim of breast cancer in Fiji. He was diagnosed two years ago.

Ms Ambrose got in-touch with the Fiji Sun seeking information on Mr Jale so they may give him a voice in his community and put his journey on the organisation’s website and social media pages.

She said their mission is to bring men with breast cancer together with the top oncologists, researchers, geneticists and pharmaceutical companies.

The aim was to provide them with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about treatment.

Edited by Mohammed Ali

Feedback:  losirene.lacanivalu@fijisun.com.fj