Madrid, Oct 7 (EFE).- Under the motto “Catch it on time!”, men with breast cancer launched a campaign this Monday in several countries to make visible an “ignored” reality that affects 1.5% of men in Spain, who are condemned by stigma to a late diagnosis of their disease.
Within the framework of the European Male Breast Cancer Day that is commemorated today and the international breast cancer awareness month, the INVI Male Breast Cancer Association will extend this initiative until October 20 in the member countries of the Alliance International, composed of Australia, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany and the United States.
“We want to make visible a reality that has been traditionally ignored,” explained the founder of Invi, Márius Soler, in a note, in connection with a campaign that will join forces with “prominent organizations and health professionals to raise awareness among the population about this disease.” .
Thus, with “Catch it on Time!”, these patients will try to raise awareness among men about the importance of them also examining themselves and going to a doctor for any suspicious symptoms.
According to data from the GEICAM Breast Cancer Research Group, around 1.5% of breast tumors are diagnosed in men, but many arrive in advanced stages, which reduces survival; in fact, men are 49% more likely to receive late diagnoses than women.
Only by involving the entire society, Invi continues, can we “break the stigma surrounding this type of cancer.” “Although research, new treatments and early detection programs have significantly reduced mortality, cancer remains a considerable threat,” added its president, Víctor Rodríguez.
Through different channels, the associations that are part of the international alliance will disseminate informative videos with detailed instructions so that men learn to self-examine and recognize the main symptoms of breast cancer.
In addition, online seminars will be held, messages of support from influential personalities will be shared, and an intense network campaign will be developed in 12 countries.
Today, activities will be carried out in Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal, Germany and Spain, where the monuments of the Torre de les Aigües in El Prat de Llobregat (Barcelona) will be illuminated for the 4th consecutive year; the La Dona Treballadora Building in Terrassa (Barcelona), and the façade of the Calañas Town Hall (Huelva).
On the 16th, the first online seminar will be held, titled “Male breast cancer in advanced stages: How to deal with metastatic disease” and, a day later, another focused on “Sexuality and relationships during and after treatment.”
Finally, on the 19th, coinciding with World Breast Cancer Day, the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao will be illuminated. EFE
