Breast Cancer AMA Week: We’re advocates and staff from Living Beyond
Breast Cancer and Male Breast Cancer Coalition, and we are joining the
National Society of Genetic Counselors to answer your questions about
breast cancer in men.
Abstract
Hi, Reddit! We’re advocates and content experts from Living Beyond
Breast Cancer and Male Breast Cancer Coalition, joined today by Scott M
Weissman, MS, CGC, of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. We
recognize the unique issues faced by men diagnosed with breast cancer.
We will answer your questions about breast cancer in men, including: •
What it’s like to be diagnosed with what is usually considered a
“woman’s disease” • The role of genetics and family risk • Ways to get
emotional support and resources that help you cope with diagnosis and
treatment Living Beyond Breast Cancer: For over 25 years Living Beyond
Breast Cancer (LBBC) has been helping women and men who have been
diagnosed with breast cancer and the people who love them. We work with
leading experts in the medical and wellness fields to provide trusted
and easy-to-understand information to help people make informed
decisions. We bring people together from across the country and beyond
through our national conferences, monthly webinars and signature yoga
fundraiser Reach & Raise. Learn more at LBBC.ORG. With you, for you.
Male Breast Cancer Coalition: The Male Breast Cancer Coalition, a
not-for-profit patient advocacy organization, brings everyone together
to educate the world about male breast cancer. We are on a mission to
build awareness through the wisdom and experiences of survivors. We
visit high schools and colleges around the country sharing journeys and
educating audiences. We participate in events around the world and
attend conferences, so we can become more knowledgeable and advocate. We
want people to be informed. Breast cancer does not discriminate and we
want everyone to know “Men Have Breasts Too.” Learn more about our
advocates and experts answering your questions: Lori M. Berlin: I
volunteer with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition because I lost a male
cousin to triple negative metastatic breast cancer, and he saved my
life. If it was not for Bernard, who was negative for a BRCA mutation,
my genetic counselor would not have run any tests on me. I am BRCA2
positive, and because of a previous high risk LCIS diagnosis, I opted
for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy. Good thing,
because the pathology indicated I was going to get breast cancer in both
breasts. Now I raise awareness of breast cancer in men every single day.
Josh Fernandez: I am Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Digital Media
Specialist, playing a primary role in coordinating and growing the
organization’s online presence informed by the organization’s marketing
strategy, employing web analytics, social media messaging and
e-communications. I also manage LBBC’s presence across online channels,
including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and
our award-winning blog. I started working for LBBC in 2012 as a writer
and web content coordinator. Erin Rowley: I am Living Beyond Breast
Cancer’s Writer and Content Coordinator, serving as author of select
LBBC publications and coordinating publication reprints, photo shoots
and our Ask-the-Expert program in support of the mission, programs and
services of LBBC. I also write medical, psychosocial and promotional
articles and blog posts for online and print publications. Scott M.
Weissman, MS, CGC: I am a past co-chair of the National Society of
Genetic Counselors Familial Cancer Risk Assessment Special Interest
Group and a cancer genetics expert. As founder of Chicago Genetic
Consultants, LLC (chicagogenetics.com), I bring the science of genetics
and genetic testing directly to people who desire genetic counseling. I
have more than 15 years of experience, and understand all aspects of the
genetic counseling and testing journey. I can discuss everything from
the decision to seek advice, the pros and cons of genetic testing, how
genetic information can impact an individual and their family, and
issues related to insurance coverage, privacy and discrimination
concerns. I can also discuss hereditary cancer syndromes and how to
educate family members about the potential risk of disease. Carl “Mac”
Holmes Jr.: I spent my career in aviation, first serving for 27 years in
the United States Air Force as an enlisted jet mechanic and crew chief
and then as a commissioned officer and Air Force Pilot. I flew T37, T38,
C-130 and C-141 aircraft and served as Chief of Training, Chief of
Plans, Instructor/Evaluator and Command Pilot before becoming Squadron
Commander of the 155 Air Lift Squadron. I retired from the U.S. Air
Force in 2001 as a Lt. Colonel. My second career as Aircraft Captain for
Federal Express began while I was serving in the U.S. Air Force
Reserves. In my capacity with Federal Express, I served as an
instructor, evaluator and line check airman for the company and was an
FAA designee before my diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer. I faced
early stage breast cancer in 2012 and prostate cancer in 2013. After
successfully completing treatments I returned to work. During a regular
checkup my physician discovered my breast cancer had returned. Now
facing the realities of living with metastatic breast cancer I decided
to take on a new mission. I now work closely with the Male Breast Cancer
Coalition to raise awareness of male breast cancer, metastatic disease
and the need for additional research funding. I am a graduate from
Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s “Hear My Voice” Program and have been
selected by the U.S. Department of Defense as a peer grant reviewer for
the Breast Cancer Research Program, a program that supports innovative,
high-impact breast cancer research. I also serve on the MET UP advisory
council and represents disparities in metastatic breast cancer. We’ll be
back at 1 pm EST (10 am PST, 6 pm UTC) to answer your questions, ask us
anything!