Health

Marvel goes pink for breast cancer awareness

By Michelle Castillo

October 12, 2012 / 1:03 PM EDT / CBS News

Comic book giant Marvel has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise awareness for an issue that gets less coverage during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, male breast cancer. In addition to special, pink-themed collectable covers, Marvel has produced a one-page advertorial alerting readers to the signs and risks associated with male breast cancer. This image shows Marvel's variant cover for Avengers #31.

The one-page advertorial, which will be included in select print versions of Marvel comics and online through their various official social media accounts, features several beloved Marvel characters talking about male breast cancer in a comic-style format. The variant cover for The Invincible Iron Man #526 is shown.

While the majority of breast cancer victims are women, 1.2 out of every 100,000 men will develop breast cancer, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The variant cover for Fantastic Four #611 is shown.

In 2012, there will be an estimated 2,190 new cases of male breast cancer with 410 male breast cancer deaths. The variant cover for Captain Marvel #5 is shown.

Age is a risk factor in male breast cancer. Most male breast cancer victims are between 65 and 75. The variant cover for The Mighty Thor #21 is shown.

Heavy alcohol use, chronic liver disease and obesity may also increase the risk of male breast cancer. Some hormone drugs used to treat prostate cancer and exposure to radiation can also increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The variant cover for Captain America #18 is shown.

Just like women, men who have a mutation in the BRCA2 gene have an increased risk of breast cancer. These men have a seven percent chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70 and are at increased risk for other cancers, like prostate cancer. The variant cover for Uncanny X-Men #20 is shown.

Survival rates for men with breast cancer are similar to women. However, because they are less likely to report their symptoms early, the disease is often in a later stage when it is diagnosed in men. The variant cover for Wolverine #315 is shown.

Michelle Castillo

Michelle Castillo is an associate editor for CBSNews.com.

Twitter