311. Men Get Breast Cancer Too: The Symptom Vic Almost Dismissed

Love the podcast? Send us a text! When Vic Clevenger's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, he and his brother had a thought that many men probably share: At least we're not women. We don't have to worry about breast cancer. Years later, Vic learned firsthand just how wrong that assumption can be. It started with what looked like a stain on his shirt. When Vic realized fluid was coming from his nipple, he initially assumed it was probably a cyst, pimple, or something minor. His fiancée encouraged him to get it checked. Even then, Vic says his concerns were initially dismissed because male breast cancer was considered "too rare." But Vic knew something wasn't right and sought another opinion. A mammogram and biopsy ultimately confirmed breast cancer. In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Vic joins Laura Carfang for an honest—and often surprisingly funny—conversation about male breast cancer, self-advocacy, genetic testing, masculinity, body image, and learning to live fully after a cancer diagnosis. Vic shares his experience undergoing a double mastectomy and radiation, taking ongoing hormone therapy, and later discovering that he carries a BRCA2 mutation. His family's genetic testing also challenged another common assumption: hereditary breast cancer risk doesn't only come from your mother's side of the family. In this episode, we discuss: Yes, men can get breast cancer The unexpected symptom that led Vic to seek medical care Why nipple discharge or other breast changes shouldn't be ignored What happened when Vic's concerns were initially dismissed Having a mammogram and biopsy as a man Vic's experience with a double mastectomy and surgical drains Body image and the emotional impact of mastectomy for men Using humor to navigate cancer and recovery BRCA2 mutations and understanding family history Why family history on both sides matters The importance of genetic counseling and testing when appropriate Fear of recurrence and life after treatment Why some men may delay going to the doctor How breast cancer organizations can make male patients feel more included Why self-advocacy and second opinions can matter Vic's perspective on getting a "second lease on life" Vic also shares an important challenge for healthcare providers and cancer organizations: don't make men hunt for information about male breast cancer. While male breast cancer is uncommon, the people diagnosed with it deserve information, resources, and support that recognize their experiences. And Vic's message to other men is one worth sharing: If you notice something different in your body, don't ignore it. Get it checked. And if you don't feel like your concerns are being taken seriously, keep asking questions. Because breast cancer isn't exclusively a women's disease. Support the show Listener Feedback If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback. Messages are completely anonymous. If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond. Latest News: Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.