In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE, Paul Dombroski, a former NFL player, reflects on his rare but impactful journey with breast cancer, aiming to raise awareness during Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week, which runs from October 17 to 23. The 70-year-old athlete is one of the few men diagnosed with this disease, and he sees his experience as an opportunity to empower others with knowledge about the condition.
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Dombroski, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1980 to 1985, was mindful of his health throughout his career. “I retired in 1986 from the NFL, but I took pretty good care of myself,” he explained. His understanding of health was put to the test in 2013, when he discovered a lump in his breast while casually watching television. With a family history of breast cancer—his mother being a survivor—he did not hesitate to seek medical guidance.
“I felt the lump under my nipple,” he recalled vividly. “A lot of men think it’s just fatty tissue as you get older, but I knew right away that something wasn’t right.” His wife, Caron, a former NFL cheerleader, recognised the gravity of the situation as well, admitting her unexpressed fears weighed heavily upon her.
The couple had a holiday in Hawaii planned at the time but immediately sought medical advice upon their return. During a consultation, Paul’s doctor expressed concern regarding the lump, leading him to undergo both an ultrasound and a mammogram. “I have more sympathy and a new respect for women trying to get a mammogram,” Paul confessed, sharing his experience while noting the emotional challenges men face in situations traditionally viewed as female-oriented.
Following the mammogram, he proceeded to have a biopsy. “I was aware of how rare this condition was,” he remarked, humourously noting that the full room of medical professionals felt like an audience at a show. Despite the light-hearted tone he maintained, receiving the diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer was undeniably sobering. “When the surgeon called and admitted my worst fears were now a reality, it hit me like a punch to the gut,” he stated.
However, instead of succumbing to despair, Paul adopted a proactive mindset. Drawing on his sports background, he thought, “Okay Doc, how do I get back on the field? How do we attack this?” Caron admitted that she grappled with fear over the uncertain future but found strength in their discussions about the next steps they should take together.
Within a month of his diagnosis, Paul underwent a mastectomy, which involved the removal of four lymph nodes. After five years of taking Tamoxifen, alongside regular monitoring, he was declared cancer-free. “The surgery pretty much cured me,” he reflected with a sense of relief and gratitude, stating he feels “awesome” at his age.
Now, Paul and Caron are committed to spreading awareness about the signs of male breast cancer and the significance of early detection. “It’s crucial. Men should really pay attention to any changes,” Paul urged. He explained that many men might ignore symptoms, attributing breast changes to being part of ageing, which can lead to higher mortality rates due to late diagnoses.
Caron added, “Early detection is the best pathway. Too many wait out of fear and hesitation.” She hopes others will recognize the importance of acknowledging their health and not delaying seeking medical advice.
Dr. Marisa Weiss, a prominent figure in breast cancer awareness, highlighted the importance of sharing these stories. “Although men account for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, the impact of such a diagnosis is profound for both them and their families,” she stated. She emphasised that each case is unique, underscoring the need for diverse narratives in discussions about the disease.
Feeling a deep sense of responsibility to share his story, Paul asserts that he hopes his openness can save lives. “If it helps just one other person, I feel like I’ve made a difference,” he said with conviction. As he contemplates the purpose of their struggles, he sees value in every experience, reiterating that this journey has equipped him to make a positive impact on the world.
As Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week unfolds, Paul Dombroski’s narrative stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging men to take their breast health seriously and underscoring the critical importance of early detection and awareness.