One Man’s Journey Through Breast Cancer

Jonathan Lyons (left) and his son

While most breast cancer cases occur among women, it is important to keep in mind that breast cancer can affect all people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, less than 1% of all breast cancer occurs in males. Jonathan Lyons is one of those rare cases. When he developed a lump in his left breast, he brushed it off as a swollen sweat gland for several months. He had no idea that it could be breast cancer. But the lump became more aggressive, resulting in a burning sensation, and then an infection. Lyons knew it was time to have it checked by his primary care doctor.

He was put on antibiotics which helped the infection, and when the lump didn’t go away he was referred for a mammogram at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale. There he was introduced to Christina Weed, MD, MPH, a board-certified general surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH).

The mammogram results revealed what Lyons was certain it couldn’t be. He was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.

"I was in shock," he recalled. "I couldn't believe it—I'm a guy."

Weed says a lot of men don’t know they can get breast cancer which could be why some men are hesitant to seek help.

While men typically don't need mammograms, those with a known BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation should. These gene mutations put people at a higher risk for several cancers and all patients with these gene mutations, regardless of gender, should have an annual breast/chest wall exam with their doctor and discuss mammogram screening for their specific situation.

Although both Lyon’s parents died from cancer, genetics weren't a factor in his diagnosis.

Initially, Lyons was in denial, not wanting to disclose his diagnosis to family and friends. He wondered how he’d tell his 18-year old son that he had breast cancer. He worked through how to have the conversation with his social worker.

"It's okay to talk to your loved ones," Lyons emphasizes. "You don't have to bottle it up."

He hopes sharing his story will influence other men to take the time for themselves and talk to their primary care provider if they have concerns. He wants men to avoid ignoring warning signs, challenging the societal expectation that men must always appear tough.

Weed says most men present with a palpable mass/lump near the nipple/areola because the majority of the breast tissue on a male chest wall is centrally located behind the nipple and areola.

“It's definitely rare, but if found early it is extremely treatable,” Weed said.

St. Michael Medical Center Cancer Center

Outside of screening for known genetic predisposition, there are no specific guidelines or protocols for men. “I encourage everyone to be attuned to their bodies and mention to their primary care provider if they notice new "lumps and bumps" on any part of their body,” Weed said.

Lyons is grateful to have the care he needed close to home, saying that if he had to travel further for care he probably would’ve held off on getting the lump checked out.

“It was really nice to have that opportunity to actually be able to stay local in the area and find treatment and care,” Lyons said.

There aren’t key differences compared to men and women who develop breast cancer. Weed says most men opt for a mastectomy, but there is evidence that breast conservation (i.e. lumpectomy followed by radiation) is safe in men, as well. Medical therapies after surgery are similar for men and women with breast cancer.

Following a successful surgery, Lyons didn’t need chemotherapy and went through 20 sessions of radiation. He credits his care team for making a difficult situation more bearable.

“I was somebody who was dealing with a life situation that could be very impactful,” Lyons said. “And they took the time to make me feel like an actual human.”

Today, Lyons is in remission and his breast cancer diagnosis is part of his life story.

St. Michael Cancer Center offers one of the most comprehensive cancer centers in western Washington. It is also nationally recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. St. Michael Cancer Center provides a full range of cancer services, from prevention and screening to diagnostics, treatment and survivorship for all patients.