Do men develop Breast Cancer? – know the symptoms, tests, and treatment
By Dr. Suraj Subramaniam – General Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani
Male breast cancer, it may sound strange, but it is true. While it is rare for men to get affected with breast cancer as females. All men produce a small amount of estrogen which is perfectly normal. When there is more estrogen secretion the risk linked to male breast cancer increases. Most breast cancers in men are diagnosed above the age of 60, at the advanced stage. Although there are several factors that lead to male breast cancer, aging is the primary reason, followed by family history, high radiation exposure, faulty gene, hormone therapy, and so on.
Majority of the educated men are not aware that breast cancer can occur in males too. In India, there are perception that men won’t get breast cancer. As a result, they visit the doctor when it is in the full-blown breast cancer stage. Men are less suspicious of anything happening in the chest area and ignore identifying the lumps at an early stage. We need to be more vigilant and not turn blind eye to any breast lumps, and also not feel shy to visit the doctor. Men who have female relatives, like mothers or sisters, with breast cancer are at high risk of male breast cancer. However most male breast cancers respond to better treatment than women, and diagnosing early is an added advantage.
Symptoms of male breast cancer:
Male breast cancer’s most common symptoms include
- Painless lump in the chest area or lower arm
- Fluid discharge from the nipple which may or may not be blood stained
- Enlargement of breast or swelling
- Ulcer in the skin of the breast
- Rash or dryness or itching around the nipple
- Nipple pulled inward
If you have any of the above symptoms visit your family doctor or general physician immediately. Do not hesitate or feel shame to talk to your friends and relatives, especially doctors. Detecting cancer early-stage results in better treatment response. Since the breast tissues is less in male, the prolonged delay will lead the cancer spread around the chest area and skin.
Lifestyle and male breast cancer:
Lifestyle of an individual has changed a lot over the years. Sedentary lifestyle with other factors like obesity, excess alcohol intake and smoking attributes to the risk of breast cancer at a younger age. A decade ago, breast cancer was seen among the age group of 50-70 years which has come down to 40-50 years now.
Though the incidence of male breast cancer is less compared to women, the causes are the same. Lifestyle changes that are recommended to women are also applicable to men, mostly, to check breast cancer. They are
- Limit alcohol intake: Pandemic has increased the habit of binge drinking. More alcohol means a greater risk of developing breast cancer; even a small amount increases the risk.
- Maintain the right BMI: Many medical theories connect obesity as a reason for 13 types of cancer. If you are obese workout a right strategy to reduce your weight. You can also reduce the daily amount of calorie intake and gradually increase exercising.
- Be physically active: High fat level increases the estrogen level, which in turn make the hormone receptor positive for breast cancer to develop and grow. Physically active will help to maintain healthy weight which in-turn prevent breast cancer
- Eat a healthy diet: Healthy diet have strong connection in decreasing the risk of some types of cancer, heart disease and stroke. Include more plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts to your daily intakes.
Types of breast cancer in men:
Most breast cancers are carcinomas. The most common types of breast cancers in men are invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular and ductal carcinoma in situ. The other less common types are sarcomas, Paget’s disease, phyllodes and angiosarcomas. These cancers start in the cells of the muscle, fat, or connective tissues. In some rare types of the cancer cells may not form tumor at all. Depending on the extent of the breast cancer the name changes.
Risk factors and survival rate:
The risk level will be high with
- One’s age
- Over radiation exposure
- Hormone treatment
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Family history
- Obesity
- Liver infection
For any cancer the survival rate is high when it is diagnosed early. The breast cancer survival rate is less in male when compared to female only because of lack of awareness and late diagnosing. There are incidences that doctor too gave antibiotic to early-stage symptoms and not diagnosing for male breast cancer in the beginning.
Diagnosing and treatment:
Ultrasound and/or mammogram technique will be used to scan the breast and lymph nodes to identify the breast cancer initially. Biopsy will be done to find out the specific type and stage of the breast cancer. The other tests to identify or measure the cancer spread include MRI scan, CT scan, bone scan, and liver scan.
The treatments for breast cancer in men is almost like those followed for women. Considering of the type, size, spread and grade the treatment may vary, like surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted cancer drug therapy. In case the cancer has already spread or might recurred after treatment your doctor might recommend combined treatment therapies.
When compared to women, most male breast cancers respond well to the treatment. So, men should never fear or feel shame of admitting that they have a lump in the breast and talking to doctors, friends, and relatives about their breast cancer. Because of hesitation to speak about it, most cases are diagnosed in stage I and stage II.
Remember, breast cancer is the most treatable cancer with advanced techniques and targeted therapies, but early screening and intervention is critical. Please visit the doctor if you happen to encounter any one of the symptoms listed above and lead healthy and happy life.
Dr. Suraj is a General Surgeon with specialization in Laparoscopic Surgery. Special 2nd year anniversary offer – Avail Doctor Consultation + Whole Abdomen Ultrasound Screening @ Rs 299. For appointments, call Fortis Hospital Vadapalani 98402 04444.
