Men get it too – Beware of Breast cancer

Last Modified: December 19, 2019  |   Created on: June 18, 2019
Cancer Treatment

Yes, men too can get breast cancer. When we hear breast cancer, we generally associate it with women, simply because we think men do not have breasts like women., Fact is everyone whether men or women, have breast tissues. Although, the amount of breast tissue is less in men as they do not normally secrete breast-stimulating hormones, they too are prone to development of cancer in these small amounts of tissues. 

Male breast cancer is rare and only 1 in 1,000 men will have the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Also, breast cancer in men accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer. But due to less awareness among the general population, men remain ignorant of the symptoms which leads to late diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Breast Cancer Male

Symptoms to Look Out For

Early detection of breast cancer increases treatment options and may reduce the risk of fatality. Some changes in male breasts that can be early signs of breast cancer are:

  • Painless lump around the nipple as this area has most of breast tissue in men. Note: lump can also be in another area of the chest;
  • Nipple that is turned in (inverted); 
  • Thickening and swelling of breast tissue; 
  • Discharge or bleeding from the nipple; rash around the nipple; 
  • Swelling or lump under the armpit; 
  • An ulcer or sore on the breast area.

Who is at Risk?

Chances of breast cancer in men, increases with age and is quite rare in younger men. Most men who get breast cancer are above 60 years of age.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of getting breast cancer are: 

  • Family history – inheriting altered gene (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that increases the risk of breast cancer in your family. BRCA2 (BReast CAncer) is most commonly associated with breast cancer in men; 
  • Exposure to radiation to the chest; 
  • Increase of estrogen levels due to long term liver damage (cirrhosis), obesity and certain genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome; 
  • Hormones or drug treatment leading to enlargement of breasts; 
  • Contact with certain poisons or infections; 
  • Conditions that affect or damage testicles, undescended testicles, surgical removal of the testicles or mumps as an adult.

Connect with Experts & Get a Free Personalized Quote

(jpeg, jpg, doc, docx, pdf)

Diagnosis and Treatment

A range of tests and scans are available to diagnose breast cancer in men and are similar to the ones done for women. These include: Ultrasound of breast and lymph nodes, a mammogram, a biopsy.

The treatment options for men with breast cancer are also similar to those for women, and depend on the stage of cancer. A multidisciplinary team including surgeons, oncologists, specialist breast cancer nurses, radiologists and a pathologist, will discuss the treatment options and will help you decide the best one for you.

Possible treatments are:

  • Mastectomy – most common treatment for men which involves removal of all breast tissue including the nipple area. Usually, some or all of the lymph nodes are also removed from the armpit in this operation. 
  • Chemotherapy – aims to destroy cancer cells by using drugs with the least possible effect on normal cells. 
  • Radiation treatment is the use of radiation to kill cancerous cells. Radiation is usually given after a mastectomy to prevent chances of recurrence of cancer. 
  • Hormone therapy is used in addition to surgery and radiation for treating breast  cancer in men. Its aim is to decrease estrogen level in body using anti-estrogen drugs. Other treatments include targeted breast cancer therapy with specific drugs.

Major problem is that the occurrence of breast cancer in men is considered an uncomfortable topic of discussion in society. This makes men feel embarrassed to seek out help, who then often end up avoiding the key symptoms. An early diagnosis can make a huge impact on the treatment, recovery and quality of life ahead. So if you experience the above symptoms, don’t hesitate in seeking professional advice.

Vanshika Rawat

Written By Vanshika Rawat

Vanshika Rawat is an experienced content developer. She is very knowledgeable in the field of science and healthcare and has worked under brilliant scientists during her higher education. Vanshika obtained her degrees in Masters in Science and Bachelors in Science (Microbiology with Hons.) from renowned institutions - Panjab University and University of Delhi.
Free Enquiry