A Guide To Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, accounting for 16% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Many people know someone who had breast cancer or was affected by this illness in some way. Every October, countless organizations show their support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with even the National Football League allowing players to wear pink cleats to represent the cause.

However, there’s a common misconception that breast cancer is only a women's disease. The cells in anyone’s breast tissue can become cancerous regardless of gender. More people need to be aware of breast cancer in men and do their research on the topic so they receive the screenings and treatment they need.

Can Men Get Breast Cancer?

Yes, men can get breast cancer. Though this illness in men is rare, it isn’t unheard of. An estimated one out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is in a male patient. Women still make up 99% of breast cancer cases, but a male diagnosis should also be taken seriously.

Men have significantly less breast tissue than women, which means there is less of an opportunity for cancerous cells to form. However, this can also make detection easier. Men may be able to feel a lump in their breasts sooner because there’s less fatty tissue.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer

Both men and women have breast tissue located around the nipples. Men typically have less tissue in this area, which is why their breast cancer rates are lower. The first signs of breast cancer in men occur next to or around the nipples. They include:

• A lump forming in the breast area which could be a tumor;
• Pain around the breasts;
• Changes to the skin in the area, like puckering or scaling;
• Changes to the nipple, especially if it begins to turn inward;
• Discharge, pus, or bleeding from the nipple.

Each of these symptoms can alert men that something is wrong with their nipple or breast tissue. Even if it isn’t cancerous, men should alert their doctor to these changes.

What Causes Breast Cancer in Men?

Just like women, men have certain genetic and environmental risk factors that could make them more prone to developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, then you’re more likely to develop this disease. Other risk factors in men include alcohol usage, liver disease, obesity, and changes in hormone levels. Age is also a significant risk factor for breast cancer in men, as the average man who is diagnosed with breast cancer is 72 years old.

Other Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

Any changes to breast tissue or nipples are concerning. Along with the symptoms mentioned above, a few additional signs that you may have breast cancer include:

• Changes to the shape of your breast;
• Changes to how your breasts feel, including increased sensitivity;
• Asymmetry in your breasts, where one is larger or shaped differently than the other;
• Changes in the position of the nipple;
• A lumbar swelling in your armpit that you might not necessarily think is associated with your breast tissue.

Men's breasts typically aren't as sensitive as women's, which is why changes to the tissue or sensitivity are causes for concern.

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, talk to your doctor. They will first conduct a physical exam to look at your affected breast and nipple. They might touch the area to learn where you're sensitive and check for any lumps.

If your doctor suspects that you have breast cancer, they might order a mammogram. This is an x-ray of the breasts where the tissue is flattened against metal plates to make it easier to see. Your doctor could also request an ultrasound, which provides additional imaging.

Another option that could bring you closer to a diagnosis is a biopsy. This occurs when your doctor takes a sample of your breast tissue, especially if there’s an existing lump. They will then test to see if the sample tissue is cancerous.

It’s better to seek out testing early on if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms. The earlier that doctors catch breast cancer, the more treatment options you will have and the better your chances of recovering.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Cancer treatment has come a long way in recent decades with doctors having more options and tools at their disposal. This is good news for patients because they can receive personalized treatment plans based on their specific cases. Here are a few cancer treatment options your doctor might recommend:

• Surgery: Your doctor may suggest a lumpectomy, which is the removal of a cancerous tumor. In some cases, you may need a mastectomy, which is the removal of the entire breast.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to kill the cancer cells through radiation.
• Chemotherapy: With this option, your doctor gives you specific medications that destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often done before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.
• Hormone therapy: This occurs in men who have high levels of estrogen in their breasts and around the cancer cells. The goal is to block the hormones to slow the growth of the tumor.

Cancer treatment plans often incorporate multiple strategies to address the issue. For example, your doctor might recommend hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent new ones.

Unique Challenges of Men With Breast Cancer

Even though breast cancer is rare in men, patients who are diagnosed with this condition face a lot of challenges in receiving treatment and support. Here are a few reasons why it is harder to be a man with breast cancer:

• Men are often diagnosed in the later stages when symptoms are more pronounced. This means their treatment options might be limited and their chances of entering remission lower.
• Some men question their masculinity following a breast cancer diagnosis. This can lead to mental distress on top of the emotional hardship of going through cancer treatment.
• Men might not receive the support they need from their local communities because they’re less likely to be open about their breast cancer diagnosis. This can lead to feelings of isolation and make receiving treatment harder.

In recent years, doctors have campaigned to raise awareness about male breast cancer so patients can overcome some of these challenges.

Public Awareness for Breast Cancer in Men

Increasing public awareness of breast cancer in men can increase the number of screenings done annually. When men know that they are at risk of breast cancer, they're more likely to look for symptoms and talk to their doctor about any potential concerns. This can help medical professionals catch the cancer early on, resulting in higher success rates and less invasive treatments.

The organization Male Breast Cancer Happens uses the hashtag #MenHaveBreastsToo to raise awareness of this disease. Follow this organization to learn how to increase public awareness in your area.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.