My Story: Bill Griffith

Stunned silence. “That was my reaction when my physician told me I had breast cancer,” said 55-year-old Bill Griffith, co-anchor for KGTV “10News Morning Edition” and “10News Midday” in San Diego, California.

“I had undergone a lumpectomy, for what I thought was a benign breast disorder, and was in the doctor’s office for a simple post-op follow-up to get the stitches out,” Griffith explained. “My physician had just looked at the biopsy report before walking in. I think he was as shocked as me.”
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1,450 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the U.S. in 2004. Breast cancer in men accounts for less than 1 percent of all breast cancer cases. Fewer than 500 men will die from breast cancer in 2004, compared to over 40,000 women.

Most people are not even aware that men can get breast cancer. However, men have breast tissue, just like women, except that after puberty, their male hormones prevent the tissue from further development.

Like most men, Griffith accidentally discovered his lump in February of 2003. His first doctor mistakenly diagnosed it as gynecomastia, a disorder that causes firm breast tissue to grow under the nipple in males. This growth is usually less than 1.5 inches, can sometimes be felt or seen and is very sensitive to touch. Gynecomastia most often occurs from changes in the body’s hormone balance during puberty or the aging process and is generally left untreated.

For Griffith, it wasn’t until a year later, when the lump was twice the size and removed, that the truth was discovered. A subsequent mammogram confirmed that the cancer was much more invasive and would require extensive and radical treatment.

As Griffith began his battle with breast cancer, he recorded his thoughts and experiences in anonline journal. This outlet proved to be invaluable, as support poured in from the community and around the nation.

“During those rounds of chemotherapy when every bone in your body aches and your spirit dampens, it was the inspirational messages from others that often kept me going,” said Griffith. “I am also fortunate to have a loving wife and family, as well as coworkers to support me.”

However, it was his inspiration to others that is now making a difference. After seeing Griffith talk about the disease on TV and reading his journal, two men in San Diego County went in for testing and unfortunately, learned that they also have breast cancer. Consequently, Griffith formed a local support group to help these men cope with the disease. “As I help them, they in turn help others, like a chain of support,” Griffith added.

Taking it one step further, Griffith is also working with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to establish a “Man to Man” support group similar to the one sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

“The Komen Foundation ‘Man to Man’ program has two purposes,” said Griffith. “The first is to provide support for other men with breast cancer. But, it will also provide support for male spouses, family members and friends of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Not only was the online journal therapeutic for Griffith, but it also helped to increase public awareness of the disease.

“Because I don’t feel embarrassed or stigmatized to have a ‘woman’s disease,’ I have written and talked candidly about my experience,” he said. “As a result, I have found that other men with cancer, be it prostrate, testicular or breast, feel more empowered to openly discuss their issues and concerns.”

As awareness increases, hopefully more men will take notice of any changes in their breast tissue, such as the development of lumps, dimpling of the skin or a bloody discharge from the nipple, and see their doctor. Since very few physicians ever encounter male patients with breast cancer and do not normally consider this when making a diagnosis, it is up to each man to be persistent and request a mammogram and biopsy.

Since April, Griffith has undergone a bilateral modified radical mastectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy. In September, his doctor declared him “cured” of cancer and Griffith has now returned to work.

“In some ways, I’m glad I went through this,” said Griffith. “I certainly wouldn’t recommend getting cancer for anyone, but for me it has brought tremendous personal growth. I have a new appreciation and understanding of what it means to support one another both as the receiver and the giver. In my case, it took a life-threatening illness to teach me that truth.”