Same life lessons
About 1% of all breast cancer cases in the U.S. are among men. If I knew guys could get it, I would have gone to the doctor the second I noticed it. The mortality rate for men is 42% greater than for women because of late diagnosis.
This disease is more common in men 60 years old and older. Most guys in that generation don't want people to know they have a "woman's disease," so they hide it. That never crossed my mind. It was this close—my breast cancer was stage III—to metastasizing in another organ. If it had, I wouldn't have made it.
I'm a workaholic, but since the cancer, I've realized you've gotta live life to the fullest. Life is way too short. I'm planning to retire now in two to five years as opposed to 10 to 15.
I also work with the John W. Nick Foundation to raise awareness. If I can help one guy get diagnosed a little sooner, my life is good.
I Had Never Even Heard of Male Breast Cancer
Robert Kaitz, 48, who lives in Severna Park, Md., was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2006
Last Updated: April 17, 2008
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