Written by Apolline Riou et Pauline Pidoux
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At 71, Bernard Clément has been suffering from breast cancer since the beginning of 2024. Mayor of Domessargues (Gard), he is one of the 1% of men to be affected by this disease. As for women, treatment is cumbersome and prevention essential.
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The observation was first visual. Bernard Clément, mayor of the village of Domessargues (Gard), was alarmed when he observed, in February 2024, an anomaly on his body. “It was a distortion in level of thisn, he explains. He was starting to back down. I then consulted my doctor, who immediately told me that breast cancer could affect men.”
The machine is launched. “It’s a terrible shockhe admits. Psychologically we must accept, take note.” According to According to the National Cancer Institute, less than 1% of breast cancers affect men. In all cases, diagnosis is always a challenge. Bernard Clément’s first thought after this blow: “Now,What do I do to win?”
Breast removal, chemotherapy, radiotherapy… the treatment is heavy. However, at 71 years old, Bernard Clément is still at town hall, where he continues to exercise his elected functions. A way to move forward. “Envisioning the future with projects is the best medicine, without a doubt, he declares. Creating a perspective, by thinking of being a candidate again for the next municipal elections, is a way of psychologically overcoming all the difficulties that the illness can cause.”
The septuagenarian speaks for do prevention around this disease. He insists in particular on the iimportance of palpation. “Men do not practice these actions that we advise women to regularly”he regrets. Simple gestures, which can help detect cancer early.
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