Rodney Good was lying in bed, scrolling on his phone, when his arm bumped against his chest. He felt something unusual—a hard lump that he hadn’t noticed before.
“I didn’t remember having any kind of injury,” says Rodney, who spent a restless night thinking and re-thinking all possible explanations. His mind was racing as he thought about his wife and two sons and “whether it was time to get my affairs in order.”
In the morning, the 52-year-old Reinholds man made an appointment with his family doctor who ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. The tests indicated the need for a biopsy which revealed breast cancer. With that, Rodney began a journey that he—and most men—never expect to take.
Breast Cancer in Men
Although rare, men, like women, can develop cancer in their breast. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in a man. Even though not functional in men, breast cancer can begin in the milk ducts or glands of their breast tissue.
Rodney’s type of breast cancer—invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)—is the most common type of male breast cancer, accounting for 80 percent of cases.
Researching Options for Care
As an emergency medical technician (EMT), Rodney has a close network in health care. He started reaching out to some of his contacts, learning everything he could about his disease, treatment options, and the best place to get care.
He did his research and got opinions at two health systems, choosing Lancaster General Health and the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute for his care. Although he lived closer to some other health-care facilities, he felt this was the best choice.
“I especially liked that Lancaster General Health was part of Penn Medicine,” says Rodney.
Treatment at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute
Rodney met with a breast surgeon who explained that the first step in his treatment would be a mastectomy. During the surgery, his breast would be removed, along with several lymph nodes.
“I had never had surgery before, so I was nervous,” recalls Rodney. “But my doctor and nurse navigator walked me through the whole thing. They explained what would happen in easy-to-understand language and gave me a binder that outlined everything I needed to know. My surgery was scheduled for December 27 [2020]. I wanted to get through Christmas first.”
Following successful surgery, Rodney’s medical oncologist recommended four cycles of chemotherapy to reduce the chances of his cancer recurring.
“I was pretty worn down by the time my treatment ended in mid-April,” says Rodney, who was also experiencing lymphedema, a swelling of his arm caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid that sometimes occurs after removal of the lymph nodes.
He received physical therapy for his lymphedema and soon began to feel more like himself.
Genetic Testing
Due to the type of his breast cancer, doctors also suggested that Rodney have genetic testing. He was grateful to receive negative results, learning there weren’t genetic risks for developing a similar cancer for himself, his sons, or his siblings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says if several members of your family have had breast or ovarian cancer or a family member has the BRACA1 or BRACA2 gene mutation your doctor may recommend genetic testing. In men, mutations in the BRCA genes can increase the risk of breast cancer, as well as prostate and pancreatic cancer.
All men can lower their risk for breast cancer, and many other health conditions, by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising on a regular basis.
Signs of Male Breast Cancer
Like Rodney, some men with breast cancer will notice a lump or swelling in the breast which is often, but not always, painless. Other possible symptoms of male breast cancer include:
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast skin
- Discharge from the nipple
Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone, also causing a lump or swelling there. Men who notice these changes should talk to a health-care provider as soon as possible.
Follow-up Care
Rodney continues to follow up with the oncology team at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, and as of Spring 2022, remains cancer free. He will take the medication tamoxifen for five years to reduce the chances of his cancer coming back. His doctors are all very pleased with how well he is doing and how he has navigated his cancer journey.
“I feel great,” smiles Rodney, who can’t say enough about the care he received. “The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute is an amazing place and runs like a well-oiled machine. Everyone from the greeters at the door to the nurses, doctors and navigators makes you feel like you’re in the best hands possible.”