Male Breast Cancer Survivor Encourages Men to be Aware

When you think of breast cancer many only think of women. One breast cancer survivor says just like many other men, he thought only women could get the disease.

In tonight's health report he says he's dedicated his life to making sure other men don't make the same mistake.

"I had just finished shaving and I looked down at my chest. My left nipple was receding. Beneath it there was a lump," says Mark Goldstein.

In denial, he says he waited three months before going to his dermatologist who then sent mark to a specialist. "I developed breast cancer in May of 1988. That makes me a 20 year survivor."

In those 20 years, Mark's fought to raise awareness about breast cancer, especially hoping to educate men. "Men should not die of breast cancer out of ignorance."

That's why Mark is running in this weekend's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Cities around the country host races throughout the year and Savannah's will be mark's 191st race.

"Now you have to know my self-esteem is kinda good. Aren't many men who run around with pink hats," says Mark. On his hat is a faded number one under a 20.

"Every year I change it and after May the 8th which is my breast cancer anniversary, the zero will be replaced with a one to make it 21."

He also wears a shirt with an important message. "Men share a breasted interest."

Mark starts out in the front of the race, but, "I’m not a gazelle out there. I'm not terribly fast. So as everyone passes me, they can see the message that's on my shirt."

Mark says every year about 2,000 men develop breast cancer and 500 of those men die from it. "Now I know men. You can't believe this. You can't believe that you may develop a women's disease. But we can."

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world's largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. This is the first year the Coastal Georgia affiliate is hosting its own race.

The event begins at seven Saturday morning in Downtown Savannah, but the race kicks off an hour later. It starts in Telfair Square.