Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too: Shattering the Silence Around Male Affliction

Cancer, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, creed, or caste, can affect anyone. Although predominantly associated with women, it's vital to recognize that men are also susceptible to breast cancer, albeit at a lower rate.

Despite the distinct breast appearances of men and women, anatomical similarities make male breast tissue susceptible to the disease, influenced by female hormones. While male breast cancer is rare, it's crucial to acknowledge its significance, accounting for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases and often going unnoticed.

(Photo : Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
General view of a ball boy's hat with a logo in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Male Breast Cancer: Causes

The exact causes of male breast cancer remain unclear. This type of cancer initiates when alterations in the DNA of breast tissue cells occur. In healthy cells, DNA provides instructions for controlled growth, multiplication, and programmed cell death.

However, in cancer cells, these DNA changes lead to different instructions, causing rapid and uncontrolled cell growth and survival beyond the typical life span, resulting in an overabundance of cells.

These cancerous cells can aggregate to form a mass known as a tumor, which can expand and invade surrounding healthy tissues. Over time, these cells can detach from the original tumor and migrate to other areas of the body, a process referred to as metastasis.

Breast tissue, though generally more developed during female puberty, exists in all individuals from birth, meaning that breast cancer can potentially affect anyone.

Male breast cancer typically falls into two primary categories: ductal carcinoma, originating in the milk ducts that connect to the nipple, and lobular carcinoma, which begins in milk-producing glands. Additionally, there are rarer forms of male breast cancer, such as Paget's disease of the nipple and inflammatory breast cancer.

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Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Common symptoms of breast cancer in men encompass the presence of a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast area, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, nipple discharge, and nipple retraction or discomfort.

It's important to note that these symptoms may not necessarily indicate cancer and can be associated with non-malignant conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to promptly consult a healthcare professional when experiencing such changes in the breast.

Several factors contribute to a man's increased susceptibility to breast cancer. As men age, their risk rises, with most breast cancers being diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50.

Genetic mutations, particularly in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer. Having a family history of breast cancer can also heighten a man's risk, especially if a close relative has been affected.

Additionally, prior radiation therapy to the chest or past hormone therapy treatment using estrogen-containing drugs, which were previously utilized in prostate cancer management, can contribute to an increased risk.

Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic condition resulting in an extra X chromosome, can lead to higher estrogen and lower androgen hormone levels, potentially raising breast cancer risk.

Certain conditions affecting the testicles and liver disease, like cirrhosis, can also increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer in men. Furthermore, overweight or obesity in older men is associated with a higher risk compared to those maintaining a normal weight.

RELATED ARTICLE:  Breast Cancer in Men: Rarer but Deadlier

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