Introduction to Male Breast Cancer
Can Men get breast cancer?
Yes. In the USA, 215,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, resulting in 40,000 deaths. Men however, are disproportionately affected with 400 dying out of 1,600 diagnosed. The reason for a higher proportion of male fatalities lies in the fact that the occurrence of breast cancer in men is rare and difficult to diagnose early.
What is breast cancer in men?
Breast cancer in men is no different to breast in women. The cancer is caused by an abnormal growth in cells. Cells can then become malignant, if left unchecked. Invasive cancer cells can then travel through the blood and lymph system, infecting different parts of the body, this process is called metastasis.
What causes breast cancer in men is unknown; however there are several factors which may increase risk.
- Being over 60
- Radiation exposure
- Being overweight
- Having family members who have been diagnosed with cancer
- Long term liver damage resulting in higher than normal oestrogen
How can I tell if I have breast cancer?
The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed the more successful the treatment, so it is vital to take symptoms seriously.
Because men are not as likely to get breast cancer, symptoms are often overlooked and the disease is not caught early enough. Even medical staff may miss the obvious symptoms as most will never come across a male case in their career.
Usual symptoms are:
- A lump in the breast or around the nipple
- Sensitised nipple
- Discharge from the nipple
- Swollen breast
- Swollen lymph nodes, these are located in the armpit
Medical diagnosis of breast cancer includes a biopsy, surgically removing breast tissue and having it analysed, together with a breast x-ray called a mammogram.
How is Breast cancer in men treated?
As the disease is the same in a man as it is a woman, the treatment is also the same. However, as breast cancer is known as predominantly a female disease, men can find treatment a little uncomfortable and can suffer from the social stigma of suffering from a "female" disease.
Treatment may include radiotherapy, in which x-rays are used to break down infected cells. Surgery also removes infected cells, whilst drug therapy using Tamoxifen is also effective.
Surgery may reduce muscle mass in that side of the chest affecting lifting ability of the arm. The nipple may have to be removed and although nipple reconstruction is available, it is not common for men to go ahead with the procedure.
More information
It may be difficult to find more information as most publications and leaflets are directed at women. A lot of the subjects talked about are not applicable to men, such as; mastectomy bras after surgery, and the menopause after chemotherapy.
Whilst there is a large amount of information available on the Internet, it is wise to remember that some sources may not be as accurate as others, and even the accurate information may not be applicable to you. Your best source of information is your medical practitioner.
Useful links
Men and breast cancer
Treatments for breast cancer
Men and breast cancer
Breast Cancer in Men
Men can have Breast Cancer too
© 2006 Lyndon
Antcliff
iCopyTextOnline.com & MensStuffandInformation.com
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