091: Harvey Singer - Male Breast Cancer Survivor & Prostate Cancer Survivor - Prophylactic Chemotherapy - BRCA2 Genetic Mutation - Mastectomy

Learn how Harvey Singer who had a BRCA2 genetic mutation, found out he had Male Breast Cancer on this episode of Cancer Interviews with host Bruce Morton, after undergoing a mammogram and biopsy prior to diagnosis and was successfully treated with a mastectomy and prophylactic chemotherapy. What began as a sharp pain in his left nipple led to a mammogram and ultimately a diagnosis of breast cancer for Harvey Singer.  A regimen including a mastectomy and twelve weeks of prophylactic chemotherapy led to survivorship, but along the way Harvey learned the health care community offered little in the way of expertise and support for those diagnosed with men's breast cancer.  His experience inspired his establishment of the His Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, an organization which helps men all over the world as they seek guidance in the fight against breast cancer. In 2008, Harvey was with a group of friends.  When greeted by a big friend with a big bear hug, he suddenly felt a sharp pain that went from his left nipple up to his ear.  The pain nearly brought him to his knees.  His wife said he should get a mammogram.  Harvey asked, "How does a man get a mammogram?"  She said the procedure as it is for women with small breasts.  Harvey, of Laguna Niguel, California, got the mammogram, then doctors had him undergo an ultrasound, which revealed more than just a little lump.  He next went in for a biopsy the following Monday, and even as a man, Harvey had a strong feeling he was going to be diagnosed with breast cancer.  He said the biopsy was not a fun experience.  Two days later his phone, and the doctor said, "Mr. Singer, you have breast cancer." He was not prepared for this horrific news.  Harvey says he has always been one to confront challenges.  Adding to his challenge was the data that one in 1.100 breast cancer patients are men.  Harvey's sister, Vicki Wolf, is a four-time breast cancer survivor.  At that time she was a three-time survivor, and Vicki turned out to be an excellent mentor and source of support.  It was from her that Harvey and Vicki shared the same BRCA2 genetic mutation.  Harvey made a few calls and found a breast surgeon.  He went through a full mastectomy on his left breast.  It was Stage I, margins were clean, but after pathology, they realized it was more invasive than originally thought by virtue of the size of the tumor.  It was then recommended he go through twelve weeks of chemotherapy to make sure no cancerous cells escaped.  From there, Harvey achieved survivorship, but fifteen months later, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, caused by the same genetic mutation. Harvey Singer has survived two cancer journeys, but says the breast cancer journey was more impactful.  He reasoned many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, but most guys don't get breast cancer.  Harvey realized right away the health care system wasn't set up for men with breast cancer.  He was asked to fill out a form asking about vaginal dryness and when his last period was. That experience inspired he and Vicki to establish the His Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation to give men a better roadmap, and a place to go for guidance, encouragement and information.  Although things have improved slightly since the time of his diagnosis, he had no options but to go to a women's breast center, and be asked if he was there to see his wife.  He remembers being put in a pink gown and constantly directed to different places, empty offices, because they were afraid I might see a woman's breast.  Then when being seen, he was stunned to hear how many health care professionals didn't know men could get breast cancer.  Harvey Singer tells men diagnosed with breast cancer that they are not alone.  They should research the disease as much as they can, and check out his foundation's website. Additional Resources: His Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.HISbreastcancer.org YouTube Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TazKbQQPU18&t=389 YouTube Short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FyUKrqspDOY Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7NdLvEgKvm/?igsh=MnBxbG5wZzNnaHQ5 Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1142701806973725&extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing&mibextid=cr9u03 X / Twitter Post: https://x.com/cancerinterview/status/1792721474018820582 Linkedin Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cancerinterviews_learn-how-harvey-singer-who-had-a-brca2-genetic-activity-7198487952073633792-yKKy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Book: Available on Amazon, "Sir, You Have Breast Cancer" by Harvey Singer