What You Need To Know About Male Breast Cancer
“When I was diagnosed, I had no idea. I thought it was a woman’s disease, and too many other men believe that to this day. ”
You will hear this sentiment echoed in the words of many male breast cancer survivors but statistics show that breast cancer isn’t just for women.
While breast cancer among men in the U.S is far less likely than that of their female counterparts, breast cancer in men does account for approximately 1% of breast cancer diagnoses, with around 2,300 new cases yearly as reported by the CDC. These numbers reflect a fairly recent increase in the likelihood of a average male being diagnosed, which went from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 833.
Of this small percent, men are far more likely to be diagnosed later, with advanced-stage disease, more likely to be undertreated, and more likely to die within five years of diagnosis.
Tragically, research has shown that men see higher death rates than women across all stages of breast cancer, as reported at the JAMA Oncology show. At present, there are minimal guidelines for male breast cancer screening, and it is not often that you hear a reminder for men to perform their own self-exam. Have you ever seen a T.V. ad prompting your husband, father, or brother to check their chests after the age of 50? Didn’t think so.
During diagnosis, the same study stated that it found men more likely to find advanced-stage breast cancer (5.8% in males compared to 3.8% in females) which tells us that the cancer is being found later in it’s developmental timeline.
Crazy, right? We agree.
Not only is it being found later, after having advanced to such levels of progression, but differences in clinical characteristics such as tumor type and stage, age at diagnosis, and type of treatment contribute to 63% of the mortality disparity as well, which is notable. In the study by the JAMA Oncology show, the five-year overall survival rate after a breast cancer diagnosis between men and women differed by nearly 10%. The survival rate for men with breast cancer was 77.6% whereas women saw an 86.4% rate in comparison.
Men have breasts?
Well, Yes! Men have breast tissue, and just about all breast tissue is capable of developing cancer, even if it less likely in males. During puberty, a girl’s ovaries begin to develop and release hormones - one of which is estrogen. These hormones develop lobules at the ends of the ducts inside the female breast, however this is not the case with men. Even though some breast tissue may grow, the probability of lobular development is far less, and this is a large contributing factor in the staggering statistical difference between the likelihood of cancer in men and women, as detailed by Cancer.org.
Breast cancers can start from a number of places in the breast, though a large percentage of them begin as ductal cancer. Some, on the other hand, begin as lobular cancers inside of the glands that produce milk. While men have these structures, they’re typically not functional.
What are the risks factors?
For the most part, as a male, your chance of developing breast cancer is quite low. That said, it is important to be made aware of the risks contributing to breast cancer to have an accurate understanding of your personal health risks. As outlined by the CDC, these include:
Age. A large number of breast cancers are discovered after age 40.
Certain inherited genetic mutations. For instance, mutations of genes such as BRCA2 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 2) increase your risk of breast cancer.
Medical therapies such as radiation therapy to the chest or hormone therapies containing estrogen may increase your risk.
Older men that are overweight or are considered obese have a higher risk of breast cancer.
If breast or ovarian cancer is common in your family.
Liver disease
Klinefelter syndrome
What can be done to reduce your risk?
First, consider keeping a family health tracker! We've detailed the importance of one for you here, and you’ll find a downloadable tracker we’ve made just for you at the end of this article. Take an afternoon to speak with your family about their health and the health of the men in their life.
Should a family member have breast cancer, consider asking if they’re aware of any mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Perhaps consider speaking to your doctor about finding out for yourself.
Perform a monthly self-exam. It’s easy to do and is the best way for you to keep tabs on your personal breast health, helping to catch breast cancer in earlier stages and increase your chances of success.
Do your part to reduce the stigma against and raise awareness of male breast cancer! Ask your family members when the last time they’ve checked themselves.
“If you have any reason to get checked, you have to do it. ”
Stay educated!
To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of breast cancer, we recommend referring to the Mayo Clinic’s guide to breast cancer.
For more resources on Family Health Tracking, check out the CDC’s The Basics.