In December 2018, Bill Garwood began his unexpected journey with male breast cancer. What started as a routine annual physical for Garwood, the associate vice president of finance for UTMB, turned into a series of alarming symptoms that ultimately led to a life-changing diagnosis.
"It all started with a slight discomfort in my right breast," Garwood said. "I thought it was just an ingrown hair, so I didn’t think much of it. But then, a week later, I felt a sharp pain around my nipple and discovered a hard mass."
This discovery prompted Garwood to return to his primary care physician, who quickly referred him for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy—all within the same day.
The quick response was critical in diagnosing the issue. “The process was great in terms of getting through the diagnosis stages,” Garwood said.
Early examinations revealed signs that raised suspicion for breast cancer, including a partially inverted nipple and thickened skin. Garwood said the radiologist pointed out that the skin had thickened in one area, which was concerning.
Garwood’s situation is not uncommon, as male breast cancer affects approximately one in 1,000 men. Dr. Colleen Silva, Garwood’s surgical oncologist, said most men who are diagnosed have similar symptoms: pain or a noticeable lump.
Dr. Silva, who is a professor in the UTMB Health Department of Surgery and serves as the medical director for the UTMB Breast Health and Imaging Center in League City, also highlighted that while men have a much lower incidence of breast cancer than women, awareness is crucial.
“There’s a strong need for men to recognize the signs and seek medical attention promptly,” she said.
As Garwood’s diagnosis progressed, the extent of the cancer became clear.
“When Dr. Silva did my surgery, she removed 29 lymph nodes, and 19 of those were found to have cancer,” he said.
Garwood’s cancer was eventually diagnosed as a stage three, a severity level that could have gone undetected without the symptoms he experienced and quick diagnosis of a medical team.
“I’m thankful for that pain,” he said. “Otherwise, I might never have discovered it.”
Both Garwood and Dr. Silva emphasized the importance of early detection and understanding risk factors.
“Obesity, certain genetic mutations and hormonal imbalances can increase the risk,” Dr. Silva said.
In particular, the BRCA gene mutations significantly heighten the chances of developing breast cancer in men.
“If you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your risk increases dramatically,” she said.
Following his diagnosis, Garwood underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
“I finished my chemotherapy by early spring of 2019, and that was followed by six weeks of radiation therapy,” he said.
Currently, Garwood takes medication daily to manage his estrogen levels, as he navigates his new normal. He has since become an advocate for awareness and support for men experiencing similar challenges.
“If you’re concerned about your health, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for a thorough examination,” he said. “Your attitude matters, too. I always believed I would get through this, and I did.”
Dr. Silva echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care.
“At UTMB, we focus on the whole patient, tailoring treatment to individual needs,” she said. “Our program is designed to ensure that patients receive not just medical attention but emotional and psychological support as well.”
As awareness grows, both Garwood and Dr. Silva encouraged men to educate themselves about breast cancer and advocate for their health.
“Reaching out to friends and loved ones is essential,” Garwood said. “A simple card or message can make a world of difference for someone going through a tough time.”
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