Breast Cancer in Males

 Can breast cancer happen to males?

It is believed that breast cancer mostly affects women, but men can also get it. Breast cancer in males is uncommon, but early detection of breast cancer in males and its treatment and management can save lives. In this article, we will explain briefly the disease's signs, causes, available treatments, and preventative measures. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 833 males will have breast cancer at some point in their lives.

 Male breast cancer risk factors include:

Age: Men over 60 account for the majority of instances.

Family History: The risk is increased if there is a family history of breast cancer, particularly among first-degree relatives.

Genetic Mutations: BRCA2 and BRCA1 gene mutations have higher risk. These tests can be done via blood or saliva samples.

Hormonal Imbalances: Higher estrogen levels can increase the risk of breast cancer. Klinefelter syndrome is one of the diseases that cause high estrogen levels, hence more chances of breast cancer.

Radiation Exposure: Prior chest radiation therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Obesity: Elevated estrogen levels may result from excess body fat.

  

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Males:

All of you must be aware of female breast cancer symptoms. Male breast cancer also shows some symptoms. Males should also recognize these symptoms as early as these signs arise.

1. Lump in the breast: a lump or bulge in the breast tissue may be a sign of breast cancer. This lump might vary in size, may be firm, and is usually painless.

2. Swelling or Changes in Breast Size: Increased breast size or swollen breasts may be a sign of breast cancer.

3. Nipple Changes: Just like female breast cancer, one of the symptoms may be nipple discharge, which may be bloody, or the nipple may turn inward, which we call inversion of the nipple, or the change in nipple color.

4. Breast Skin Changes: Breast skin changes include dimples, puckers, or inflammation on the breast skin. Additionally, redness or other changes may show breast cancer signs.

5. Pain or tenderness in the breast: Breast cancer is painless, but some men feel uncomfortable around their breasts.

6. Lymph Node Enlargement: If lymph nodes are present behind the arm, underarm, or close to the collarbone, this is a sign that cancer has spread.

If you see these symptoms, see a doctor so timely diagnosis and treatment save one life. These signs show which individual is at higher risk.

 

Indication of the First Stage of Breast Cancer in Males:

Breast cancer is determined according to its extent of spread and size. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the term used to describe the initial stage, often known as Stage 0. At this stage, cancer cells are present in the breast duct lining but have not spread to neighboring tissues. Treatment options at this stage are typically confined and extremely curable.

The following stage, known as stage I, is when the tumor is invasive but still only around 2 cm in size and hasn't progressed outside of the breast or adjacent lymph nodes. If breast cancer is diagnosed early, the likelihood of successful therapy is increased.

 

The Survival Rate of Breast Cancer in Males:

Breast cancer is not detected in early stages in men therefore the survival rate is lower than that of female breast cancer. However, survival rates depend upon the stage of disease. Let’s check it out:

·         98% of men with localized breast cancer, which is limited to the breast only will survive for 5 years.

·         The survival rate falls to roughly 85% if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.

·         If cancer has spread to other organs, or parts of the body the survival rate is 27%

 

Male Breast Cancer Causes:

Breast cancer causes and reasons in males are still unknown, but the number of factors mentioned below play a role in the development of breast cancer:

Genetic Factors: Hereditary mutation in specific genes increases the risk of breast cancer. BRCA2 mutations are the most prominent, other gene alterations might also be involved.

Hormonal Factors: As mentioned earlier, an increase in estrogen levels encourages breast tissue growth and even cancer.

Environmental Factors: Radiation exposure, to chemicals that cause cancer can raise the risk of developing breast cancer.

Health Conditions: Several illnesses, including Klinefelter syndrome and liver disease, which affect hormone levels increase the chance of cancer.

Lifestyle Choices: An inactive lifestyle (sitting, lying with no exercise), excessive alcohol use, and obesity are some of the factors that can raise the risk of breast cancer.

 

Male Breast Cancer Treatment:

Treatment of male breast cancer is similar to female breast cancer, though methods may differ depending on the patient's health, cancer stage, and preferences. Let’s check out the different types of treatment options below:

Surgery: To remove the breast tumor via surgery is the first line of treatment. The breast removal surgery can include a mastectomy, which involves removing one or both breasts or a lumpectomy, in which the tumor is removed along with the small margins of the surrounding tissues.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells or slow down the growth of cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells may be the ones that are left after the surgery, especially if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or in some cases, surgery is not possible, and patients are given radiation therapy to slow down the process of cancer growth.

Chemotherapy: a type of treatment that is done by using medicines to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is performed when cancer is aggressive and has spread outside of the breast. This type of treatment is advised in more advanced stages.

Hormone Therapy: This therapy is used if the tumors are hormone-sensitive. Breast tumors and prostate tumors are hormone-sensitive tumors. The medicines inhibit hormones are given if the malignancy is hormone receptor-positive.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment in which medicines or substances are used to target specific molecules in cancer cells that are responsible for cancer growth and spread

Treatment plans are created by oncologists and relevant medical professionals.

 

Preventive Measures for Male Breast Cancer:

Male breast cancer cannot be completely prevented but steps can be taken to lower the risk of breast cancer in males. Refer to the following points:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Check your BMI (body mass index) and maintain a healthy body weight through food and exercise as obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer.

Reduce Alcohol Use: Reduce alcohol consumption if you cannot stop consuming completely as reducing alcohol use can help prevent breast cancer and other cancers.

Regular Exercise: Maintain a healthy weight and hormonal balance via regular exercise.

Know Your Family History: Get your family screening as a preventive method. Check if you have a family history of different cancers or breast cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about the next steps, if have a family history.

Genetic Counselling: Genetic screening and counseling may be beneficial for men who have known genetic mutations or a family history of breast cancer.

 

 Regular Check-Ups: if any signs of breast cancer are seen in men, they should talk to their doctor about any changes in their breast tissue, particularly if they have risk factors.

Educate Yourself: Increased knowledge may help detection of breast cancer in men and educate you about possible treatment options.

 

 Conclusion!!

Although breast cancer in males is uncommon, it is a dangerous issue that needs proper attention and treatment. Men can greatly increase their chances of survival by identifying symptoms, understanding risk factors, and getting timely medical treatment. It is important to educate men and to build an atmosphere where men are comfortable talking about their health and asking for medical help when required.