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Breast Cancer in males

breast cancer in males,oncology,chemotherapy
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The percentage of men with breast cancer is extremely rare, compared to the prevalence among women. For men, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000, representing 0.4-1.2% of all male cancers.

In 2018, about 2,550 men are expected to be diagnosed with the disease, compared with 2 million news cases for women in 2018.

However, while the numbers are low, the risk remains real and should not be ignored. The “breasts” of an adult man are like the breasts of a girl before puberty. In men, the tissue doesn’t grow, but because it is still breast tissue, men can get breast cancer.

In Western countries, the age of onset in men is approximately 60-65 years, about 8 to 10 years later than in women, and that risk increases with age.

Late diagnosis decreases the odds of recovery

Screening procedures for women are well established, with recommendations for regular mammograms, fundraising and awareness events to finance research and publicize the importance of early diagnosis.

None of these events is aimed at men and this lack of readily available information means that most men are unaware that it could happen to them.

Men are also less likely to be suspicious of something abnormal in that area. Also, the small amount of breast tissue in men makes it harder to feel and so more difficult to spot a problem early.

Symptoms of breast cancer in men

Like those in women and most male breast cancers are detected when a man complains soreness and lump in nipples.

But men usually procrastinate going to the doctor until they have more severe symptoms, like bleeding from the nipple.

At that point, cancer may have already spread to another part of the body. Men also find it embarrassing to talk to a doctor about their breasts.

Risk factors for men 

In 20-25% of men who develop breast cancer, there may be a genetic abnormality, a mutation of the gene Brca2. In other cases, certain risk factors may be identified.

If a close relative (male or female) has had breast cancer, the risk is higher and this risk increases if several close relatives are affected; if one of the affected parents was under 40; or if cancer has spread to both breasts.

Children whose fathers have breast cancer are also more likely to have the disease.

In addition, the risk is higher if the level of estrogen (female sex hormone) is significant, if the level of androgens (male hormone) is low as is the case for rare genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic disorder that affects men and is characterized by abnormalities in the genital tract).

Other risk factors are related to obesity, which increases the risk of breast cancer in women and could also increase the risk in men.

Fat cells turn androgens into estrogen, so men who have more fat cells have higher estrogen levels. A man who has had mumps in adulthood and has had inflammation of a testicle may also be at higher risk for this type of cancer.

The impact

The symptoms, diagnosis and management of breast cancer in men are largely identical to that in women.

In principle, men cannot undergo surgery that just removes the lump, because there is little tissue in the breast and the cancer is usually near the nipple.

Treatment options depend on the progress of cancer once it has been diagnosed. In general, treatment involves a mastectomy, an operation that involves removing the entire breast. Lymph nodes located nearby (e.g. under the arm) are also removed in case cancer has spread, followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.

Although the medical procedures are like those for women, the aftercare for men is very different. There is no discussion of breast reconstruction or any consideration of the emotional fallout post-cancer.

Yet the psychosocial impact on men is considerable. Support during and after treatment is crucial and much remains to be done in this area.

How to reduce your risk

Here are some tips to help lower your odds of getting breast cancer:

  • Keep your weight within a healthy range. Obesity can shift the hormone balance in your body, making you more likely to get breast cancer. If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor and a dietitian about making changes to your eating and exercise plan.
  • Daily workout. A lack of physical activity can alter your hormone levels, making you more susceptible to cancer.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol. Having two or more alcoholic drinks daily has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

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