NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) – After decades rocking out as the drummer and founding member of Kiss, Peter Criss had thought he’d seen and done it all. But one day eight years ago, something so unusual truly rocked his world.
“I was very ignorant. I was clueless. I thought it was a weight-lifting injury,” said Criss about the breast cancer he discovered.
At the time, Criss’ wife was in the throws of her own cancer battle. She suggested her physician check him out. The doctor recommended Criss visit Dr. Alexander Swistel.
Criss then had a biopsy done in New Jersey that came back negative, but the pain in his nipple area continued.
“I was misdiagnosed. If not for his (Dr. Swistel) going further and going further, through the hands of God, through him I am alive,” said Criss.
Dr. Swistel was insistent Criss have more tests. It turned out he did have male breast cancer, which is about one percent of all cancers.
“I knew my body well. I worse Spandex for 50 years,” joked Criss.
“It’s such a low number that most people are not following it and men are not catching it,” said Dr. Swistel. “By the time it gets diagnosed, it’s at a later stage.”
Fortunately for Criss, the cancer was caught early enough that he did not require chemotherapy. Dr. Swistel performed surgery to remove the cancer.
“I feel terrific,” said Criss.
He suggests men do self-exams like women are encouraged to do and ask for help from their partners.
“You check her, she checks you. It could get interesting,” said Criss.
Criss will be honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Cancer Research and Treatment Fund Tuesday, Nov. 18 at The Essex House. The hall of fame dinner begins at 6 p.m.
Tickets are still available. Visit CRT.ORG