Brushed off: How male breast cancer goes misdiagnosed in the military

Male breast cancer (MBC) remains a largely overlooked and underreported health condition,particularly if we talk about the military.

Due to a lack of awareness and limitations in understanding, male breast cancer is also prone to misdiagnosis. These problems will not only result in delayed treatment but can also lead to adverse health outcomes, including reduced chances of full recovery.

Although MBC makes up less than 1% of the total breast cancer cases in America, recent years have shown an increase in the number of new diagnoses. This also affects members of the military. In 2014, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a study indicating a growing trend in the incidence of MBC diagnoses among veterans. To help patients with MBC, raising awareness about this condition can help them receive the timely medical care they need.

Reasons behind the prevalent misdiagnosis of MBC

Patients, including military personnel, face challenges when it comes to getting early and accurate diagnosis for MBC. More often than not, MBC gets misdiagnosed, which can be attributed to factors, as:

• A lack of awareness: General knowledge about male breast cancer, including the risk factors and symptoms, remains low. Individuals may fail to recognize the signs of MBC, delaying their decision to seek medical assistance.
• Hesitation and stigma: Not only troops but also men in general often do not open up about the possibility of having male breast cancer and consult a healthcare professional due to stigma and the fear of being 'seen as less masculine.'
• Absence of screening options: Currently, there are no recommended screening options for male breast cancer, which would facilitate early detection.
• Misinterpretation of the symptoms: Signs indicating male breast cancer, like lumps and other unusual changes in the breast area, can be mistaken for symptoms of other conditions.
• Occupational exposure to toxins: The accurate diagnosis of male breast cancer also requires consideration of environmental exposure, particularly in the military, where personnel are routinely exposed to hazardous substances.

MBC: Causes, risk factors, and ties to PFAS

MBC diagnosis is often tied to risk factors such as age, genetics, family history, and exposure to toxic substances such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS is a group of synthetic chemicals linked to numerous health concerns, including breast cancer in both women and men.

With the steady increase in new MBC cases over the past years, researchers are now investigating the potential connection between PFAS exposure and MBC, considering that these harmful chemicals have contaminated hundreds of military bases across the country.

How Atraxia Law can help in filing your male breast cancer claims

A male breast cancer diagnosis, especially one linked to toxic PFAS exposure, can be devastating for you and your family. With medical bills piling up and emotional distress, securing compensation can greatly help you. At Atraxia Law, we're committed to assisting you navigate this challenging time by providing case evaluations at no cost.

Our track record spanning 35 years has enabled us to support many victims of toxic exposure claims, including military personnel. If you or a loved one is battling male breast cancer, don't hesitate to contact us. To get started, send your military and medical records. If you qualify, you can count on our skilled and compassionate team to connect you with an experienced attorney.