October marks breast cancer month -- a time to remember to get your mammograms and do your self-examinations to help with early detection.

But it is also worth remembering that breast cancer is not just a woman's issue. It can also affect men.

Between 1985 and 1995, seven men have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and although it is a very small number men need to know that there is a possibility for them to contract this disease. Oncologist Dr. Sidney Lowry said breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women.

It is relatively uncommon in pre-menopausal women although unfortunately it is often more malignant in younger patients. Fortunately however, it is almost unknown in women under 30.

"Black and white patients are equally affected in Bermuda, although interestingly in Africa the disease is rare, possibly because of diet and prolonged breast feeding,'' Dr. Lowry said.

He added: "The cause is unknown but is closely linked to hormonal fluctuations in women, The on/off menstrual cycle is also implicated in cancer of the ovary and cancer of the uterus.

"Very rarely, men can develop breast cancer but the male equivalent is more closely linked to prostate cancer.'' Dr. Lowry also said a small percentage of cases are hereditary and have been associated with the discovery of the breast cancer gene on Chromosome 17.

"Women who have more than two close relatives with the disease are vulnerable and a genetic test is available, although its value is still controversial.

"And, although there is a blood test for prostate cancer, there is still no reliable blood test for breast cancer. It is recommended that women over 50 years should have regular mammography check-ups. This is also advisable for younger women, although again the results of surveys are controversial.'' Dr. Lowry added modern treatment for breast cancer has increased the chances of survival for all patients. In addition, he said, there is a trend towards fewer surgical procedures and an emphasis on breast preservation in many cases.

Chemotherapy is often indicated, and this is better tolerated nowadays with anti-sickness drugs, he said. The mildest forms of chemotherapy involve no hair loss and patients can often work throughout therapy.

"Although the disease cannot yet be completely prevented, it can often be detected in its early curable stage,'' Dr. Lowry said.

He added: "Women are encouraged to conduct breast self-examination in the shower at regular intervals. It's still a question of maintaining a balance between promoting neurotic fear in the population and common sense.

"But all women should remember the surgical dictum that `no lady should have a lump in her breast'.'' Bermuda's TB, Cancer and Health Association states that newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer run between 30 to 40 cases per year -- which is about average on a per capita basis with most countries.

Director of public relations and education for the association, Teresa Cameron, said: "Breast cancer is still the number one cancer for women in Bermuda and we are seeing a lot more younger women diagnosed with the disease.

"Anyone can get breast cancer, any colour, any age.'' She added that the TB Cancer and Health association has now taken on the responsibility of education and it is "our aim to educate the community with the facts which would lead to earlier detections of breast cancer and hopefully in turn give a better quality of life''.

"The association provides the mammography service needed to detect lumps found in breasts. Currently TB, Cancer and Health carries out 80 percent of all mammograms for Bermuda and is currently raising funds to purchase a second mammography machine as demand is so high.

"We screen not only women but men for breast cancer.

"It (men's breast cancer) is an issue that should not be hidden and although it is rare, it is still a reality that men can develop breast cancer.

"The same rule would apply to them about discovering a lump in their breast area. If they should find a lump they should see their doctor and not just think they have pulled a muscle or strained themselves.'' Mrs. Cameron also said men tend not to discuss any serious health problems and this can be seen in the way they handle prostate cancer. "It is hardly ever mentioned amongst men and I would think that a man feels embarrassed to admit or discuss breast cancer too.'' 1,1,10,14.6.6, Between 1980 and 1996, 541 people in Bermuda were diagnosed with breast cancer, including seven men: Year WomenMen 1980 21 0 1981 30 0 1982 19 0 1983 24 0 1984 32 0 1985 21 1 1986 34 0 1987 26 0 1988 25 0 1989 18 0 1990 43 1 1991 31 2 1992 37 1 1993 40 1 1994 34 0 1995 50* 1 1996 50** 0 *11 under 50 years-old **17 under 50 years-old