By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
Although rare, men are fighters and survivors of breast cancer—especially men of color—who often face less awareness, and worse outcomes.
A recent study done by the American Cancer Society found that “breast cancer incidence rates were 52 percent higher in Black men than White men.” Another study demonstrated that even with similar treatment, Black men have worse outcomes, leaving them 76 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than White men.
The American Cancer Society also stated, that “for men, the average lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 726.” In the year 2025, an estimated 510 men will succumb to the disease.
A pioneer of breast cancer awareness was the late Richard Roundtree. As star of the movie “Shaft” and its sequels, Roundtree was viewed as the epitome of Black masculinity. When he was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, he remained private about the diagnosis until several years later, out of fear for the impact it would have on his career. After he had undergone treatment and was in remission, he realized his role as an advocate for male breast cancer survivors.
According to an interview with People Magazine, released soon after he became public with his battle with breast cancer, he spoke about why men shouldn’t be afraid to share their stories.
“I’m not embarrassed,” he said in the 2000 interview. “Breast cancer is unusual in men, yes, but you have to be a man to get through this — damn right.”
In the same interview, Roundtree said he had a modified mastectomy, where his left breast was partially removed, after which he then went through six months of chemotherapy. Rountree’s story demonstrates that not only can Black men get cancer, but they can survive it. Though he beat breast cancer, Roundtree unfortunately died at 81 from pancreatic cancer in 2023.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists both symptoms and risk factors for men with breast cancer. Some risk factors associated with breast cancer include:
- Getting older: Risk for breast cancer increases over time, according to the CDC. Most breast cancers are found after age 50.
- Family history of breast cancer: A man’s risk for breast cancer is higher if a close family member has had breast cancer.
- Radiation therapy treatment. Men who had radiation therapy to the chest have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy treatment. Drugs containing estrogen, which can be used to treat prostate cancer, increase breast cancer risk in men.
- Liver disease. Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity. Older men who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancer than men at a healthy weight.