Breaking Down Breast Cancer in Men

Many people don’t realize that men can suffer from breast cancer. According to 2011 American Cancer Society (ACS) data, more than 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and about 450 are expected to die from the disease each year. Though a typical man’s risk of developing breast cancer is about 100 times lower than for a woman, it is important for men to be aware of their risks for the disease.

One of the major risk factors for male breast cancer is age—the chance of having the disease increases greatly as men get older. According to the ACS, the average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is about 68. Also, family history of the disease increases risk; the ACS notes that one in five men with the disease has a close family member who also had it. Also, radiation exposure, heavy drinking, liver disease, obesity, and certain hormonal therapies increase the possibility for the disease.

The signs of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. They include a lump on the breast that may or may not be painful; dimpling or scaling of the skin around the nipple; retraction of the nipple (the nipple turns inward); and, nipple discharge. Breast cancer may not always be restricted to the breast area; it can spread to the areas under the arm or near the collar bone.

Many times, changes in the breast are not caused by cancer, and are instead the result of another condition. However, it is important to visit your doctor so that he or she may help you rule out cancer or other diseases. Because this disease is less common than it is in women, it is often diagnosed at a later stage. This is because men may be more likely to ignore lumps or other abnormalities in their breast tissue. Additionally, some men may be embarrassed and avoid seeking medical advice if they find a breast lump.

Like all cancers, early diagnosis is important for effective treatment and a successful recovery.

Sources:
American Cancer Society (2011, November 18). Breast cancer in men. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003091-pdf.pdf

By Nicole Stewart
Reviewed by Karen Schmidt, RN