When Unis Matthews felt a bump on his right breast, he didn't think anything of it.

But when the bump didn't go away a few weeks later, he knew something was wrong. Matthews took his wife's advice and got the bump checked out. A biopsy revealed it was breast cancer. Matthews was shocked.

"At that point back then I didn't know anything about men having breast cancer," Matthews said. "And I wasn't sure. I thought men couldn't get it."

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer in males is much less common than in females because men have less breast tissue and less estrogen.

"I see it because a good portion of my practice is breast cancer," said Dr. Christopher Chitambar, professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. "In the U.S., it's about 100 women to one man (with breast cancer), so it's about one percent."

Matthews, who lives in Milwaukee, does not think this percentage is entirely accurate.

"There would be a lot more attention with men with breast cancer if the men came forth and found out what it is," Matthews said.

The American Cancer Society states it is often because men do not seek medical attention that breast cancer is so dangerous in men.

"It can be aggressive because in men it may have spread," Chitambar said. "In women we do mammograms, so in women it's often picked up at an early stage. In men, they often don't think about it."

As a result of this lack of screening, Matthews' cancer spread, and his right breast was removed. Now, his goal is to spread the word to both men and women to be more aware of the dangers of breast cancer. He is a part of both local and national breast cancer organizations, has visited the National Breast Cancer Convention in Washington, D.C., and works at monthly gatherings to speak out about his experience.

Each year, about 35 Wisconsin men and approximately 1,500 men around the country are diagnosed with breast cancer, the American Cancer Society estimates. Chitambar said he has seen reports that breast cancer in men has become increasingly more common over the past 25 years, so he expects the number of men diagnosed to be on the rise as well.

"Breast cancer is not a female cancer. It's everyone's concern," Matthews said. "Cancer period is not prejudiced. If you get it checked right away you can get it taken care of. You just have to be more attentive to yourself."

Despite his medical problems over the years, Matthews said talking to relatives and friends has helped him through his difficult times and keeps him feeling positive. He doesn't sound like he is giving up anytime soon.

"I've been doing this for about 17 years and I'm still working on it. I'm still living."

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