The reality of breast cancer extends beyond women, impacting men as well. Traditionally associated with female patients and the color pink, male breast cancer is often overlooked. According to the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), around 1% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in men. While this figure may seem small, it highlights a significant issue, as the lack of visibility creates additional barriers for affected men, many of whom never considered such a diagnosis possible.
One such individual is Fabio Enrique Marina Rasines, a 59-year-old from Argentina who has lived in Fuengirola for nearly four decades. His first encounter with the idea that men could develop breast cancer came when he received his own diagnosis. “I had no idea; I thought it was a joke,” Fabio recalls. Thankfully, he has since recovered and is currently in good health. However, he still remembers the profound impact of his diagnosis nine years ago, not only due to the cancer itself but also because he had always been an active person unaware that such a tumor could affect men. “It was a total shock,” he admits.
Fabio first noticed a small lump while showering, describing it as tiny and initially insignificant since it did not cause any pain. He admits that without the urging of his then-partner, he might not have sought medical attention. Initially, public health services dismissed it as “nothing, probably a fatty cyst,” prompting him to continue with a planned trip. Upon returning, however, discomfort in the lump led him to seek a private consultation, where further tests confirmed he had stage two breast cancer. “It was a surprise; honestly, I wasn”t even aware that breast cancer existed in men,” he shares, noting that everything proceeded quickly, and within ten days, he was undergoing surgery.
Like many women, Fabio underwent a mastectomy, during which doctors removed his nipple and the lymphatic system from his left arm due to its involvement. He emphasizes that while it was shocking, he recognizes that the emotional toll can be more substantial for women. In his case, he reports no trauma and has never felt ashamed of his seven-centimeter scar. “On the contrary, I wanted to recover and return to my normal life,” he asserts.
The most challenging aspect for Fabio was the chemotherapy treatment. “I had no symptoms at all, and suddenly they give you chemotherapy, which is poison,” he insists. He underwent six months of treatment, during which he lost all his hair, leading him to realize the difficulty of his situation. Despite the hardships, he felt supported by those around him, although he wished for a male role model who could provide guidance during this experience. The isolation he faced was compounded by the fact that he did not know any other men who had undergone similar situations, along with the curious or astonished looks he received.
Fabio felt like an outsider every time he attended chemotherapy or rehabilitation sessions, often being the only man present. He recalls that discussions were always centered around female experiences, leaving him to wonder, “What am I doing here?” He perceived that even some doctors seemed unfamiliar with male breast cancer, stressing, “There is absolutely nothing specific for men.” He also highlights the astonishment of his family and friends when he first shared his diagnosis, stating, “Everyone was very surprised. No one understood, not even me.”
After learning of his condition, Fabio immediately sought genetic testing due to a family history of cancer, with both his mother and aunt having died from the disease; however, the results showed no hereditary component. Today, he considers himself fortunate. “I have been very lucky because the treatment worked for me, and I can share my story,” he declares. He now attends annual check-ups and feels “phenomenal.” Nonetheless, he laments the ongoing “significant misinformation” surrounding this issue affecting men and advocates for greater visibility.
In light of this, Fabio participated in the Pasarela Contra el Cáncer de Mama organized by the AECC on October 9. He was informed that no man had ever participated in the event, which would be vital to show that breast cancer is not solely a women”s issue. Fabio did not hesitate to join.
During the event, he expressed gratitude towards the AECC for their support and human quality, emphasizing the organization”s significant work in initiatives like the runway show, as well as their counseling and awareness efforts. As the World Breast Cancer Day approaches on October 19, Fabio underscores the necessity of raising awareness for that 1% of men who also face this disease. “It”s a very low percentage, but it can happen to anyone,” he emphasizes, insisting that there should be no shame. “How can we feel ashamed of something that can happen to anyone, like any other illness?” He concludes by stressing the importance of continuing treatment and not giving up along the way.
