Morning Medical Update - Youngest Man Ever Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Talks Advocacy

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Jill Chadwick

News Director

Office: (913) 588-5013

Cell: (913) 223-3974

Email

jchadwick@kumc.edu

Kansas City, Kan- Bret Miller, the youngest man ever diagnosed with breast cancer at 17, shared his journey of misdiagnosis and eventual treatment.  

Initially dismissed as a calcium buildup, his symptoms worsened until he sought a breast exam at 24, revealing stage zero breast cancer.  
His mother, Peggy, highlighted the rarity of male breast cancer and the importance of awareness.  Dr. Shane Stecklein explained that male breast cancer is rare, affecting 1% of all breast cancer cases, and typically occurs in older men.  

Bret Miller, patient 

  • Bret experienced symptoms like nipple discharge but did not seek medical attention until he was 24, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis. 
  • He emphasizes the importance of proactive health measures and encourages men to seek medical attention if they find lumps. 
  • Brett emphasizes the importance of humor and advocacy in his recovery and the role of his scar as a symbol of his story. 

Peggy Miller, Bret Miller’s mother 

  • Peggy shares her shock and the family's history of breast cancer, which was always among women. 
  • She shares a powerful moment from a previous conference where men compared their scars, emphasizing the solidarity among survivors. 

Dr. Shane Stecklein, Radiation Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center 

Dr. Stecklein explains the similarities and differences in breast tissue between men and women and the rarity of male breast cancer in young men. 

  • He outlines the typical treatment for male breast cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy.