[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______


                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, this body has designated October as 
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I would like to take this 
opportunity to focus national attention on a group of individuals who 
may not be aware that they are at risk of contracting breast cancer: 
men.
  Seymour Kramer, a constituent of mine from North Brunswick, NJ, 
learned that he had breast cancer in June of 1992. I submit, for the 
Record, an article he wrote describing his case and the lack of public 
attention to male breast cancer. As with female breast cancer, early 
detection of breast cancer in males can save lives. The medical 
community should make breast exams a regular part of physical 
examinations for males and males should be advised that they are at 
risk for this kind of cancer.
  These preventive steps cost little in time and money and will save 
the lives of men whose cancer is detected early. Let us work to make 
men aware of their risk during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

                          The Silent MEN-ority

                          (By Seymour Kramer)

       June 1992 will forever remain a traumatic period for me. I 
     was told by my physician that I had breast cancer; the biopsy 
     showed abnormal cells--carcinoma-commonly called ``cancer.'' 
     It started with a spot of blood on my pajama top. My wife 
     placed an emergency call to our physician. He took a pap 
     smear from the nipple of my left breast. I was certain that 
     it was a scratch from a branch of one of our trees since I am 
     a gardener. But the return of the smear showed abnormal 
     cells. My next trek was to the radiology group for a 
     mammogram. Again, my mind raced with the idea that a 
     mammogram was for women. I must admit that my ego was 
     deflated. Indeed, the x-ray revealed cancer.
       The excellent team of physicians agreed that I undergo a 
     lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. I was resigned to the 
     fact that I would need the operation and whatever treatment 
     was to follow. However, I did not want to cancel the 
     wonderful plans I had made for my wife and me that summer. 
     Therefore, the biopsy took place between our tour of the mid-
     est for two weeks and our cruise to Alaska for another two 
     weeks.
       In the meantime, phone calls were made from our tours to 
     learn the surgical decision. I was determined to carry out my 
     well-made plans for the summer. During our cruise, I made a 
     ``ship to shore'' telephone call to my doctor who told me I 
     would have a lumpectomy and that he would make the necessary 
     arrangements not only for surgery, but for treatments as 
     well.
       Of course, I was not looking forward to losing the nipple 
     on my left breast, but I put it aside and continued to enjoy 
     the holiday. My attitude was that I was in good hands, and 
     that I would handle the situation.
       Now comes the disturbing part. While I awaited my radiation 
     treatments, all literature pertaining to breast cancer was 
     for women; support groups, self-examination, mammograms, etc. 
     Then, articles that appeared in magazines, newspapers, 
     brochures and the like, again addressed women. Even talk 
     shows focused upon women only. True, the number among women 
     is much too great, but that does not mean men should be 
     overlooked just because they are a minority.
       I became angry! For every article or program I viewed, I 
     responded with the plea that men should become aware of 
     breast cancer. The reported 1,000 cases of breast cancer in 
     men is just that, the reported.
       Could it be that men do not believe that the spots from a 
     nipple could be cancer? Could it be that men wait until it 
     spreads to more obvious areas, such as the lungs?
       I have written to the president, to my senator, and to 
     every cancer organization. I feel that if I make enough 
     noise, somewhere somehow, I will be heard.
       The treatment I now receive is based upon the treatment 
     women receive. I take tamoxifen and have a yearly mammogram. 
     I feel I am on a one-man crusade for cancer societies to 
     include men in their programs. Yes, Males are subject to the 
     same disease as females and just because we are in the ``Men-
     ority'' is not a reason for us to be overlooked.
       My attitude is a positive one for my personal condition. I 
     continue to enjoy life and look forward to many years of 
     planning and going and doing whatever I want. My distress is 
     with the lack of understanding for men.

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