SHARES
Breast cancer icon has a pink ribbon. Did you think the pink ribbon means it is a women’s disease? Then I shall correct you! Men get breast cancer too! Yes, male breast cancer.
You may wonder, since men do not have breasts, how do they develop male breast cancer? Both men and women are born with breast cells and tissue. However, men do not develop milk-producing breasts, yet the breast cells and tissue still can develop cancer. It is rather rare, less than 1% of all breast cancer develops in men, and approximately only one in a thousand men will be diagnosed with male breast cancer.
Men carry a higher mortality than women do. This is primarily due to less awareness among men. They are less likely to assume a lump may be male breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.
Who are more likely to develop male breast cancer?
- Older men age between 60-70.
- A strong family history with breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure on the chest.
- Rare genetic condition, Klinefelter’s syndrome (men with lower level of male hormone and higher level of female hormone).
- Severe liver disease, cirrhosis.
- Higher oestrogen levels due to hormonal medication or being overweight.
- Testicular diseases. Inflammation (orchitis), undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) and testicular injury.
What are the symptoms for male breast cancer?
- Painless lump or thickening of breast tissue.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Changes to nipple eg: redness, inverted nipples, scaling.
- Pain in the nipple.
- Changes to the skin over the breast.
- Swollen lymph nodes under your arm.
How serious is the male breast cancer?
- The morbidity is very low in men compared to women.
- The problem is in delayed treatment as men tend to ignore or misdiagnose early warning signs.
Should men have annual screening mammogram?
- It is not necessary as the disease incidence is very rare.
- Physical examination by a doctor and self-examination is sufficient to detect any abnormalities.
How easy is it to diagnose breast cancer in men?
- Most male breast cancer is presented with obvious breast mass behind nipple, upper outer portion or with changes in nipple.
- When a mass is found, it is examined with mammogram and ultrasound to determine if it is benign or malignant.
- Fine needle biopsy is performed to confirm diagnosis.
How is male breast cancer treated?
- The protocol for treating male and female breast cancer is the same.
- Men do undergo mastectomy, even though they have very little breast tissue.
- Surgeon will do a biopsy of lymph node later to make sure there is no spread of cancer, to be followed by chemotherapy and radiation if needed.
Will breast cancer recur again after treatment?
- After completion of breast cancer treatment, patients will continue to be treated to prevent recurrence.
- Staying healthy (healthy diet, physical exercise, control weight, limit alcohol intake) after treatment may lower the risk of breast cancer coming back.
Chances of getting other cancer?
- Men who had breast cancer stand a high chance of getting other cancers.
- They should undergo genetic testing to check their risk of getting other cancers.
Men often feel the stigma of being diagnosed with what is regarded predominantly a woman’s disease. This often results in men presenting with later stage of the disease. Health is wealth, don’t be shy and get yourself checked by your doctor if you have symptoms.
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References
- Male breast cancer. [Internet][cited 2018 Dec 6] Available from:
- Male breast cancer. [Internet][cited 2018 Dec 6] Available from:
https://medlineplus.gov/malebreastcancer.html
- After treatment for breast cancer in men? [Internet][cited 2018 Dec 6] Available from:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/after-treatment/emotional-health.html
- Male breast cancer. [Internet][cited 2018 Dec 6] Available from:
by Leelah
'' The first step towards a change is awareness !'' The saying which inspired the medical graduate to reach the public through GetDoc. View all articles by Leelah.
