What is Male Breast Cancer? Symptoms,Causes, & Treatment

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Have you ever wondered if breast cancer occurs in males, or if men can get breast cancer? Male breast cancer is a rare cancer that occurs in the breast tissues. Male breast cancer is a rare malignancy that accounts for less than 1% of all cancers in men and less than 1% of all breast cancers. However, the incidence is rising, and in some patient groups, reaches 15% over the course of their lives.

Most cases of male breast cancer occur in men at any age, but mostly between the ages of 60 and 70, though it can occur at any age.

Read on to learn about the causes of male breast cancer and what to do if you notice any changes.

What is Male Breast Cancer?

Male breast cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs when malignant cells develop in the breast tissue of men, typically beginning in the milk ducts, known as Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. It is considered an uncommon type of breast cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Although men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) do not have milk-producing breasts, they do have fatty tissue, ducts, and breast cells that can become cancerous. While it shares similarities with female breast cancer, its incidence is much lower due to men having significantly less breast tissue.

What Causes Male Breast Cancer? 

Male breast cancer occurs when breast cells divide more quickly than healthy cells. The accumulated cells form a tumor that spreads to nearby tissues and other parts of the body. It is rare for men under the age of 35 to develop breast cancer. A man’s chances of developing breast cancer increase with age. Some men inherit abnormal genes from their parents that increase their risk of developing breast cancer. Individuals with a history of cancer should discuss this with their doctor immediately.

The causes of male breast cancer have not been completely characterized, but environmental and genetic factors play a role in this medical condition.

Mentioned below are certain reasons that increase the risk of developing breast cancer in men:

• Obesity
• Family history of breast cancer
• If an individual is suffering from cirrhosis
• Radiation exposure in the chest

Male Breast Cancer Symptoms

If you notice any change in your breast it is advised to consult a doctor immediately. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men are as follows:

• The occurrence of breast lump in men
• Pain in the nipples
• Discharge from the nipples
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits

If the cancer is spread to more areas, the additional breast cancer in men symptoms are:

• Breast pain
• Bone pain

If you notice any such breast cancer symptoms in men, you should immediately consult a doctor. If diagnosed early, this medical condition responds well to the treatment. Different methods, such as mammograms, biopsies, and nipple discharge examinations, are used to assess this condition. After a medical diagnosis, the doctor may recommend more tests such as MRI, X-rays and other blood tests. 

Some Facts About Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer is typically associated with women, but it can also occur in men, although it is much less common. Here are some lesser-known facts about breast cancer in men:

• Incidence: Male breast cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. However, the incidence has been increasing over the years, and the exact number of men who get breast cancer is not known.
• Age and Risk Factors: Male breast cancer tends to occur in older men, with the average age at diagnosis being around 68 years. Risk factors for male breast cancer include advancing age, family history of breast cancer, certain gene mutations (e.g., BRCA2), radiation exposure, hormonal imbalances (e.g., high estrogen levels), and certain conditions (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome).
• Diagnostic Challenges: Male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage compared to female breast cancer. This is partly due to men and their healthcare providers being less aware of the possibility of breast cancer in men, which can lead to delays in seeking medical attention and diagnosis.
• Treatment Approaches: The treatment of male breast cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, which may include mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue) or lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a portion of surrounding tissue). Additional treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy (e.g., anti-estrogen medications) may be recommended based on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
• Prognosis: The prognosis for male breast cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the individual's overall health. Generally, earlier detection and treatment can lead to better outcomes. However, due to the rarity of male breast cancer, there is relatively limited research specific to male breast cancer prognosis and optimal treatment approaches.
• Psychological and Emotional Impact: Like women with breast cancer, men with breast cancer may experience psychological and emotional challenges. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be unexpected and may lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. Support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and loved ones can play a crucial role in coping with these challenges.

What are the Risk Factors of Male Breast Cancer?

There are several factors that can increase a man's chance of getting breast cancer. Here are some of the risk factors of male breast cancer discussed below:

• Getting Older: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with most cases being diagnosed after the age of 50.
• Genetic Mutations: Inherited changes, or mutations, in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly raise the risk of breast cancer.
• Family History:  A man's risk of breast cancer is higher if a close family member has been diagnosed with the disease.
• Radiation Therapy: Men who have undergone radiation therapy to the chest are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer.
• Hormone Therapy: Medications containing estrogen, which were previously used to treat prostate cancer, can increase the risk of breast cancer in men.
• Klinefelter Syndrome: Klinefelter syndrome is a rare genetic condition where a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to elevated estrogen levels and decreased androgen levels, which can increase breast cancer risk.
• Liver Disease: Cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, can result in lower levels of androgen and higher levels of estrogen in men, increasing the likelihood of breast cancer.
• Overweight and Obesity: Older men who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who maintain a healthy weight.

Takeaway

If an individual is diagnosed with breast cancer in the early stages, there are chances of getting an effective treatment. However, it is difficult to diagnose this condition as it is rare. Because of this, the diagnosis may occur at a later stage. Staying aware of the symptoms of this condition can increase the chance of getting early treatment.

With the increasing number of cancer cases every year, it has become necessary to opt for a Cancer Insurance Plan. This health insurance plan is a type of mediclaim that covers treatment expenses in case an individual is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer Insurance Plan offers a comprehensive plan for pre and post-hospitalisation expenses and chemotherapy treatments. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.