Florida Man Diagnosed with Stage Four Breast Cancer Shocked by Rare Diagnosis
Zac Yarbrough, a 43-year-old man from Florida, received a stage four breast cancer diagnosis despite being unaware that men could develop this disease.
He initially discovered a lump beneath his left nipple while swimming with his toddlers, but he didn’t think much of it at first.
Delay in Seeking Medical Help
Initially, Yarbrough didn’t seek medical attention, and he continued to lead an active life, participating in fishing tournaments.
However, as time passed, the lump grew to the size of a golf ball, visibly altering his appearance. After months of delay, he finally sought medical help.
A Rare but Serious Condition for Men
Although breast cancer in men is rare, accounting for just one percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States, Yarbrough’s condition became alarming.
His doctor recommended a mammogram, which revealed he had stage four breast cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and lungs.
Awareness and Statistics on Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, and in the United States.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that around 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, with approximately 530 deaths.
In contrast, nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed, resulting in over 43,000 deaths.
Early detection significantly improves survival rates, with nearly 99 percent of breast cancer patients surviving for five years after diagnosis.
However, once it spreads, the survival rate drops to 40 percent.
Challenges of Breast Cancer in Men
The challenges surrounding breast cancer in men include delayed diagnosis, with men often not recognizing symptoms as quickly as women.
Research from 2019 found that men with breast cancer have a lower survival rate compared to women. While women have an 86.4 percent survival rate after five years, men have a 77.6 percent likelihood of survival.
Early Detection and Lack of Screening Guidelines for Men
Currently, all women between 50 and 74 are advised to undergo mammograms every two years. However, there are no screening guidelines for men.
Treatment and Determination
After his diagnosis, Yarbrough swiftly underwent a radical mastectomy, removing the affected breast tissue. He then endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy and more than 36 radiation treatments.
Despite the ongoing fight against the disease, he remains determined to continue living life to the fullest and cherishing his hobbies.
Yarbrough’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and access to information about breast cancer in men.
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