Breast cancer affects men, women alike

Houlton dentist living proof that early detection is key
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Perhaps you have seen a pink ribbon or bracelet worn by a co-worker or friend? Or maybe you’ve been wondering why so many professional football and baseball players have been sporting pink articles of clothing this month?
    The pink accessories are in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is recognized each October. Public awareness for a cause can sometimes become lost in the day-to-day events of life. Sometimes it takes a face to put with that cause.
    Enter Dr. Donald Woods, a longtime Houlton dentist, who also happens to be a breast cancer survivor.
    Woods, 77, said he is trying to break down the stereotype that breast cancer is a disease that only affects women. In 2007, Woods was visiting his doctor for a routine checkup when his doctor discovered a lump in his breast.
Dr. Don Woods, left.
    “I never paid attention to things like lumps in my chest,” he said. “It felt like a very small marble. My doctor said he wanted to have a mammogram done right away. Well, I had the mammogram done and I got a phone call later that day from my doctor telling me it was breast cancer.”
    His first reaction was disbelief, followed quickly by sorrow. That sorrow he said was because he had no idea that his cancer was treatable.
    Woods said in 2007 there were 1,945 male breast cancer patients, compared to 165,000 female patients.
    “That’s a monstrous difference,” he said. “It’s not something men really think about, but they should.”
    Breast cancer occurs primarily in women, but men can also develop the disease. Men have less breast tissue than women, but still have breast cells that can develop cancer. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1 percent of all cases of breast cancer, and is usually detected in men between 60 and 70 years of age, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website.
    The symptoms for breast cancer are similar for both men and women. Individuals should see a doctor if any of the following changes to the breasts are noticed:
    • A lump or swelling in the chest area.
    • Dimpled or puckered skin.
    • A nipple that is inverted (facing inward) that previously did not.
    • Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin.
    • Discharge from the nipple.
    Most breast lumps in men are due to gynecomastia and not cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website. Gynecomastia, the most common male breast disorder, is an increase in the amount of a man’s breast tissue. However, it is still important to see a medical professional about any of the symptoms, including a lump, to rule out male breast cancer.
    Woods, who also had a cancerous cell removed from his cheek this past spring, said he learned a valuable tip that couples can practice during his time in Boston for treatment.
    “They told me that people should look in the mirror regularly and have your partner look at your back,” he said.
    Woods underwent radiation treatment and had surgery to remove the lump, as well as 38 lymph nodes out of his breast area. Of those 38, two were positive for cancer.
    “Had I not gone to Boston, I wonder if other doctors would have thought to take so many lymph nodes,” he said. “If you miss one of those, the cancer can return.”
    Woods said he hopes more men will get tested for breast cancer and not be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it.
    Four years removed from his breast cancer surgery, Woods said he has suffered no setbacks.
    “I feel stronger every day,” he said. “But that doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it. I walk at least three miles every day. Staying active keeps me strong and keeps me in a positive attitude.”