Real Talk: Bret’s Perspective on Men’s Health & Cancer Support
Hey friends, Bret Saberhagen here. Most folks know SabesWings for lifting up families, women and kids fighting cancer—which is incredible work I stand behind 100%. But there's something I’ve noticed: when it comes to men’s health, especially cancer in guys, the spotlight dims—and that’s gotta change.
A Silent Crisis: Cancer in Men
Here’s the hard truth:
About 40% of men will develop cancer in their lifetime—a fraction higher than women at 39% cancer.org.
In 2025, the top cancer diagnoses in men are prostate (~313,780 cases), lung (~226,650), and colon & rectum seer.cancer.gov.
Testicular cancer—though rare—is hitting younger men: it's most common between 20–34 years, and rates are rising en.wikipedia.org+1cancercenter.com+1.
Some gastrointestinal and oropharyngeal cancers are increasing in men under 50.
Even more concerning: 4.2% of all new U.S. cancer cases in 2025 are among ages 15–39 seer.cancer.gov+1acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com+1. That’s a clear signal—young men are facing cancer, and they’re often overlooked.
Why Men Stay Silent
Men often struggle to ask for help or even admit they’re struggling—and it’s not about toughness, it’s culture. Studies show:
70% of young men avoid mental health care entirely theaustralian.com.au+2en.wikipedia.org+2thetimes.co.uk+2verywellmind.com+4psychologytoday.com+4thetimes.co.uk+4.
Only 17% of men accessed counseling in the past year vs. 28.5% of women verywellmind.com.
Why? Traditional masculinity—stoicism, self-reliance, no “weakness”—keeps men from talking or asking for help verywellmind.com+15psychologytoday.com+15pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15.
Men can get sick. Men can get scared. And men deserve support.
Family Impact: When Dad Can’t Work
Let’s say a dad—the breadwinner—is hit with cancer. The household shifts:
Loss of income hits hard. Monthly bills don’t pause.
The emotional toll? Kids feel it. Partners feel it.
Household routines unravel. Support systems are tested.
SabesWings steps in where other help may stall—bridging gaps with financial help – all with dignity and real impact.
The Call to Action
Men: It’s real talk time. If you're fighting cancer and the stress that come with it, don’t wait. Reach out. SabesWings is here for everyone: men, women, children—every fighter.
If you're a friend, a brother, a son—check in. Gentle check-ins, no label or judgment. Just a simple, “How’re you doing?”
If you're part of the community, SabesWings needs your help. Donate. Volunteer. Push for men’s health awareness. Men get cancer too—and we need a culture that helps them speak up, get help, and recover with dignity.