Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week, held from October 17 to 23, highlights the reality that breast cancer can affect men as well as women. Symptoms such as lumps or changes in skin texture are often missed or dismissed in men, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Cecil Herrin, a survivor of male breast cancer, shared his personal experience to encourage early detection and advocacy. Fourteen years ago, Herrin noticed a lump in his right breast and spent nine months seeking a mammogram. “In 2011, I went to a male doctor for about nine months trying to get a mammogram,” Herrin said. “And I went to him about every three months because it was growing.”
After being reassured by his physician that there was no issue, Herrin decided to seek another opinion. He eventually received a mammogram in late December 2011. Herrin recalled celebrating his birthday on January 1, 2012, and being diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer two days later. A mastectomy followed within two weeks.
“You know your body better than anybody else,” he stated. “If you feel something like a lump, you need to get it checked by your doctor, and if that doctor tells you, ‘It’s nothing,’ go see another doctor.”
The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that approximately 2,800 men in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, with around 510 deaths anticipated from the disease. The lifetime risk for an American man developing breast cancer is estimated at about one in 726.
Following his recovery, Herrin dedicated himself to supporting other men facing similar diagnoses and raising awareness of male breast cancer. He has organized events such as walks and basketball games and has spoken publicly at companies and organizations about his experience. Through these efforts he has raised more than $100,000 for the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University.
“I knew the moment I woke up from (mastectomy) surgery, God had a purpose for me,” Herrin said. “I knew I could run my mouth, and I was supposed to use that gift to be an advocate for men’s breast cancer.”
Herrin’s work led to the establishment of the Cecil Herrin Men’s Cancer Support Fund. This fund helps male cancer patients with practical needs such as transportation costs and overnight lodging during treatment.
“This year will mark 10 years that I’ve been raising money for the Augusta University Foundation, and I’m still raising money every year to help men with any kind of cancer,” he explained. “As of now, I’ve helped over 2,000 men in the CSRA and surrounding counties, and we’re even helping one man right now from Alaska.”
Although he organizes fewer events today than before, Herrin continues sharing his story through speaking engagements and personal conversations. He notes feedback from women who encouraged their husbands to seek medical attention after hearing him speak or scheduled their own screenings after learning from his experience.
“The bottom line is I really care about people,” Herrin said. “That’s my legacy. And I hope that people realize that you’ve got to have a passion for helping other people.”
For those interested in contributing or learning more about supporting causes like the Cecil Herrin Men’s Cancer Support Fund at Augusta University Foundation, contact information is available via Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Augusta University.
