Breast cancer is usually associated with women. It might surprise you to know that male breasts, like their female counterparts, have breast tissue that can lead to them developing cancer, but it’s true. Because men have way less breast tissue, it’s rare compared to in women, but male breast cancer can and does happen. Why? Because cancer is not sexist — it can invade cells in almost any of your body parts, whether you’re a man or woman, and spread to others.
Here are some things you should know about men and breast cancer.
1. Common Breast Cancers in Men
About 1% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States involve males. General ignorance surrounding male breast cancer often causes delays in diagnosis and treatment, with 40% of breast cancer in men only diagnosed at stage III or stage IV, meaning poorer prognosis. As a man, you risk developing two common types of breast cancer more often than others.
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
The most prevalent male breast cancer, as in women, is IDC. This breast cancer form starts in your ducts before growing into other breast tissue, often first spreading to your lymph nodes. Invasive cells can spread from there, metastasizing to different body areas. IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, with doctors diagnosing it in about 80% of patient cases.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
DCIS is a noninvasive breast disease that, if you delay treatment, can result in an invasive cancer. If the cancer cells are only visible in your breast duct lining without spreading to other breast tissue, your chances of a complete recovery with treatment are very good.
2. Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men
Just like women check their breasts for abnormal signs, so should you as a man. You know what “normal” is for your body, so give yourself the once-over in the shower or before you dress for work. If you notice any of the following signs, keep close tabs on the changes and seek medical advice if they don’t revert to normal within days. Some common symptoms of male breast cancer include:
A change in the look or shape of one of your nipples. It may invert or you may notice a rash or some discoloration. Compare it to your other one as cancer will usually develop on one side first.
A difference in the shape or size of your chest on one side.
A swelling or lump in your armpit or chest.
Ulcer-like sores or dimpling developing on your chest.
A liquid discharge from a nipple, often including blood.
If you notice any of the above, don’t immediately assume you have cancer, but don’t ignore abnormalities either. Sometimes other conditions can cause chest lumps and swelling. If they’re abnormal, have your doctor evaluate them. Should you have developed breast cancer, early treatment invariably means a better prognosis.
3. Treating Male Breast Cancer
Unlike initial treatment for female breast cancer conditions, oncologists will generally schedule surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue before starting with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Let’s face it, a woman will likely be happier avoiding a partial or full mastectomy than you, as a man, would be to receive chest surgery that could remove a malignant tumor immediately.
With female breast cancers, oncologists often utilize chemotherapy to shrink any cancerous tumors, which hopefully removes them altogether. They may then schedule a few rounds of radiation therapy as a preventive measure, reducing the chances of any recurrence. If surgery is necessary, the initial chemotherapy would shrink the tumor, making it easier to operate without the potential need for major cosmetic repair or replacement.
In men, smaller chest areas limit the regional spread of cancer, potentially increasing the chances of quicker metastases to other body areas. For this reason, along with potential later diagnosis, your specialist often will view surgery as the most effective option.
4. Survival Rates in Men With Breast Cancer
If you receive a diagnosis and start treatment within the first, second or third breast cancer stages, as a man, you’ll be happy to know that you’re a lot more likely to survive than to succumb to it. So is male breast cancer deadly? Undoubtedly so. The five-year breast cancer survival rates for men range from 97% in localized stage I to 86% in regional stage II. However, if you reach the latter stage IV, this rate falls substantially to only 31% due to metastases.
It’s imperative that, if you notice any of the male breast cancer symptoms, you act immediately and visit your doctor for further analysis. Due to the general public misconception that men don’t get breast cancer, too many males pass away from the disease than is necessary. Men with breast cancer have a 19% higher mortality rate than women, with survival rates not showing any real improvement in the last 30 years. The bottom line is that males don’t pay as much attention to breast cancer symptoms as their female counterparts.
5. Factors Contributing to Breast Cancer in Men
Experts see several factors as increasing the risks of men developing breast cancer. Take note of the following and apply them to yourself or a loved one’s personal situation.
Age: The risks of contracting male breast cancer increase with age, and most diagnoses occur in men in their 60s.
Weight: If you’re overweight or obese, you likely have more estrogen in your body. Higher estrogen levels contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer in men.
Genetics: Men with blood relatives who had or have breast cancer in their family history stand a greater chance of developing the disease. DNA changes passed from parents to children may also increase your risk.
Liver disease: Liver cirrhosis and certain other conditions can alter your body’s hormonal balance and contribute to increased chances of breast cancer.
Hormone therapy: Taking estrogen-related medication — often used in treating prostate cancer — could create male breast cancer-related risks.
Testicular issues: An orchiectomy, or testicular removal surgery, or orchitis — inflamed testicles — can increase your risk of breast cancer. Klinefelter syndrome, a condition present at birth, affects testicular growth and causes hormone imbalances, which can increase the risk of male breast cancer.
Male Breast Cancer is Real and Potentially Dangerous
Although not common, you can get breast cancer as a man. It’s essential to realize this and understand that, like breast cancers that develop in women, the most effective treatments happen when you catch the cancer early. Watch out for the warning signs, especially as you reach an advanced age, and you’ll ensure you address any cancer early without allowing it to spread elsewhere!
