By: Elizabeth Corridan
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB) - From an early age, Tom Welch knew the devastating toll that breast cancer can take on a family. His mother died of breast cancer when he was a teenager. Years later, tragedy would strike again. His wife died when their son was four years old.
Tom moved back to western Massachusetts to be closer to his family and found love again. Together, Tom and his wife Laurie share six children.
Earlier this year, Tom noticed one of his breasts was tender. A trip to the doctor confirmed what he already suspected. He had breast cancer and needed a mastectomy. Tom says, "I was surprised, but then again I wasn't."
Given his history, Tom was prepared for the diagnosis, but most men are not. Tom chuckles as he recalls telling his friends about his cancer. He says, "Actually, with some men you can see it in their minds. ‘Breast cancer, did he say ‘breast cancer? Breast cancer, can he have breast cancer?' They just don't know."
Dr. Richard Arenas, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Baystate Medical Center, oversaw much of Tom's care at the Comprehensive Breast Center. He emphasizes that while men represent only a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, men do get the disease. The problem is that many men do not know they are at risk and do not know how to recognize the signs and symptoms. He says, "There is really no recommendation on how to screen men for breast cancer. I think it really is based on self-exam and awareness."
According to Dr. Arenas, men should look for the following warning signs:
- Lump or mass in the breast area
- Pain in breast area
- Nipple discharge
Tom realizes that some men may be embarrassed to discuss breast cancer with their doctors but says "Don't worry about what people are going to think. Take care of yourself first."
He hopes his story will be a wake-up call for other men. He says, "I would hope that seeing me and hearing my story they can gain knowledge and take that step to walk into the doctor's office and catch it early like I did."
Tom will be leading "Team T" at this year's Rays of Hope Walk on October 25.
For more information on the walk, log onto:
http://baystatehealth.com/Baystate/raysofhope
