Signs & Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is not just a “Woman's Disease”. Did you know that approximately 1% of all Breast Cancer diagnoses in the US occur in men? The rarity of breast cancer in males means that men are much less likely to be screened in order to catch the cancer early on. That’s why, for Men’s Health Week, we are going to help share information on the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of male breast cancer in order to spread awareness and keep men safe from this disease.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors when it comes to male breast cancer, most of which are very similar to the risk factors associated with breast cancer in females. However, there are a few risk factors that apply specifically to men that are important to be aware of.
Family History
The most prominent risk factor for breast cancer in men is a family history of cancer or genetic mutations, specifically if there is a family history of mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes occur in approximately 0.25% of the population and increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women.
2. Age
As is the same with most diseases, the risk of breast cancer increases as you age. The average male breast cancer patient is 72 years old.
3. Radiation Exposure
Exposure of the chest to radiation, most commonly from the treatment of other cancers near the chest, increases the risk of breast cancer. Lymphoma, lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mesothelioma are types of cancer that occur near the chest area that could increase your risk for breast cancer later down due to radiation treatment.
4. Klinefelter Syndrome
This is a condition that applies specifically to men in which a male (which typically has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome) has one Y chromosome and at least two X chromosomes. This condition makes developing breast cancer at least 20 times more likely in men. Symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome include infertility, enlarged breast tissue and low amounts of facial and body hair.
5. Alcohol Abuse and Obesity
Two more risk factors that increase your susceptibility to many diseases are excessive alcohol consumption and obesity. In the case of breast cancer, both heavy drinking and obesity can cause higher levels of estrogen in the male body which increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Because having a mammogram performed on a male is so rare, it is important to check for these early signs and symptoms as opposed to relying on a mammogram, especially if any of the risk factors above apply to you. The silver lining here is that males have much less breast tissue than females do, which may make it easier to notice lumps in the chest or other irregularities. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
A lump felt in breast
Nipple pain, inverted nipple or nipple discharge
Sores on the nipple or areola
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
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