By Laura Lane
"I was lucky," Newman said. "I caught my cancer early and didn't have to undergo chemo or radiation. The fact is, many people don't know that men can get breast cancer."
Newman's journey began 20 years ago, as he watched a segment on television. The program encouraged women to do a body check to detect signs of breast cancer. Newman said he did not know much about breast cancer, but did a body check anyway. He found a lump. After seeing a specialist, who suggested a biopsy, Newman was diagnosed with breast cancer. A breast removal was performed. Newman said he had a lot of explaining to do after his surgery.
"I was a principal of a buying office in the garment district in the city, and I didn't hide the fact that I had a breast removal," Newman said. "[After my experience,] I felt that anyone could get breast cancer and told everyone to beware, to check their bodies, and be sure they didn't have it too."
Newman has many suspicions on what may have caused his breast cancer. As a 54-year homeowner in East Meadow, he had treated his lawn heavily with fertilizers and used chemicals to kill the termites in his home.
Newman also mentioned an electric transformer behind his house as a possible cause. However, he stressed that these were only possibilities. Newman believes he will never be sure how he contracted breast cancer.
For many years, Newman has been an active member in 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition. The volunteer advocacy organization is dedicated to finding the cause and a cure for breast cancer. Newman serves as the chairman of the Male Breast Cancer Committee of 1 in 9. Two years ago, he joined the group's board of directors.
"My objective through the committee is to educate and bring awareness to all that men can and do have breast cancer," Newman said. "The committee's goal is to educate and to reach out to those who are currently under treatment as well as survivors, so we can help others."
To further his goal, Newman has appeared on Channel 12, KJOY radio station and WHLI. He has written articles for 1 in 9 concerning male breast cancer for educational purposes. Newman's circulars have been distributed at health fairs, hospitals and mammography sites. He has also approached elected leaders
"[Nassau County Executive] Tom Suozzi agreed to make Oct. 1 Male Breast Cancer Day in Nassau County," Newman said. "He read the proclamation in November at the 1 in 9 Breast Cancer Action Coalition Dinner at Crest Hollow County Club. Now the month of October in Nassau County will be designated as Male and Female Breast Cancer Month."
Newman has other plans too. He said he would speak to Sen. Hillary Clinton to make Suozzi's proclamation effective for all of New York State. Newman also plans to do whatever it takes to make October Breast Cancer Awareness for men as well as women nationwide.
Thus far, he has not found many men who were or are afflicted with breast cancer, but has said he knows they are out there. He added that he would never stop spreading the word.
"I'm going to find the male survivors. I can't get any response from agencies or hospitals to find them, but they are out there," Newman said. "Men are ashamed. They hide in a closet because everyone thinks breast cancer is feminine."
To contact Leon Newman or find out more about male breast cancer, call (516) 735-4876
