Faith and Fellowship
A Weekly Prayer Group Born from Breast Cancer
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
While breast cancer is often associated with women, it’s crucial to recognize that men can be affected as well. Male breast cancer, though rare, poses serious health risks and deserves attention. Increased awareness begins with earlier detection and better outcomes for those at risk.
Many men think breast cancer is a “women’s disease.” This misconception can delay diagnosis and treatment, ultimately impacting survival rates. For one local chaplain, the reality that breast cancer can happen to anyone at any age hits home.
Willard Nolen, a chaplain at the Ashland Area YMCA, was diagnosed with breast cancer about six years ago. Nolen noticed an unusual bump on his breast and decided to get it checked out. “I remember going to my doctor because I had a little bump on my breast, and after showing it to her, she immediately said that I needed to go get a mammogram. I looked at her a bit confused and said, ‘Do what?’ That’s when she repeated herself,” Nolen shared. “My first thought was, of course, that getting a mammogram wasn’t something that men should have to do.”
The stigma surrounding male breast cancer often leads to late diagnoses. Men are generally less aware of the risk factors, which can include genetic predispositions, family history, and exposure to radiation. Nolen recalled how his doctor explained the mammogram process. “Dr. Cooper explained it as a simple process that was much like taking two cookies and running over them with a car. “Honestly, that didn’t sound too good to me at the time,” he joked.
After undergoing the mammogram, Nolen was shocked to receive a positive result. “Breast cancer wasn’t something you heard about men getting, so the entire experience was quite overwhelming,” he admitted.
Breast cancer in men begins as abnormal cell growth in the breast tissue, which everyone is born with, regardless of gender. Symptoms may include:
• A painless lump or thickening in the chest.
• Changes in the skin over the chest, such as dimpling, puckering, or unusual color shifts.
• Alterations in the nipple, including discoloration, scaling, or retraction.
• Discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
These signs should not be ignored; they are critical indicators that something might be going on.
If diagnosed with male breast cancer, patients typically undergo surgery to remove the affected tissue. Additional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, may also be recommended, depending on the stage and type of cancer. In Nolen’s case, he was able to have all signs of cancer removed through surgery and has been cancer-free for more than six years. “I think it’s very important for people to get these things checked out. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. If you feel a small bump that shouldn’t be there, don’t wait around to have it looked at,” Nolen emphasized, underscoring the importance of early detection.
While being diagnosed with breast cancer is undoubtedly a frightening experience, Nolen is grateful for what came from his diagnosis. Shortly after, he and around 15 people began meeting for prayer at the Ashland Area YMCA. What started as an informal gathering quickly turned into a weekly commitment. “We decided to make it an every-week thing, and that’s exactly what we did,” Nolen recalled. For the last six years, he has led a prayer group every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.
Over the years, the group has continued to grow. “It’s pretty amazing! It’s incredible how God used my breast cancer diagnosis to form our Wednesday morning prayer group,” Nolen said. Currently, the group consists of people from around 20 different churches across 12 different denominations.
As the medical community advances in breast cancer research, it is imperative to include men in the conversation. By breaking the silence, we can encourage more men to be proactive about their health and challenge the stigma surrounding this disease.
Male breast cancer, while rare, is a reality that requires acknowledgment and action. Let’s spread the word: awareness can save lives. If you notice any unusual changes in your body, don’t hesitate to consult a health care provider.
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