The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 2,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the United States this year.

Enos Catchings Sr., of Jackson, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. He said he shares his story with men so they will understand breast cancer affects men as well as women.

“The thing I really want to express to men is that it’s not a woman issue anymore,” Catchings said. “Men have that issue with breast cancer.”

Catchings advises men to check for lumps or any abnormalities.

“You know, it’s heartbreaking to really know that some men don’t want to believe they can get breast cancer,” Catchings said.

The National Cancer Institute said a family history of breast cancer can increase a man’s risk. Symptoms include lumps, nipple inversion, pain and nipple discharge.

“I think this is an under-diagnosed disease — especially diagnosed at a late stage of breast cancer,” oncologist Dr. Guangzhi Qu said. “The reason is, in men’s minds, breast cancer is not relevant to them at all.”

Researchers say breast cancer is about 100 times more common among women, but it’s still extremely important that men keep an eye on any unusual changes.