Is It Possible For Men To Have Breast Cancer?

Is it possible for men to have breast cancer?

Although breast cancer in men is a rare condition, it is frequently diagnosed at a later stage than it is in women. Why? because many men are unaware that “a bloke can get breast cancer.” And men can also be infamous “doctor dodgers” who put off acting on symptoms; according to one study, it takes an average of 19 months from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis in males with breast cancer.

Men are more likely than women to die from breast cancer, particularly in the first five years after diagnosis, according to a recent study.

Men develop breast cancer more frequently as they age. The diagnostic age is 69 on average. Another risk factor is having a high Oestrogen level since Oestrogen stimulates breast growth. Men who use hormone medications, who are overweight, who consume large amounts of alcohol, and who have liver illness can all have high levels of Oestrogen.

Additionally, men who have received radiotherapy to the chest, typically for lymphoma, are at higher risk of breast cancer. The risk can also be increased by family history, particularly if previous men in the family have experienced breast cancer. If there is a known anomaly in the breast cancer gene in the family, the risk is also increased. The majority of male breast cancers, however, continue to develop in men who do not have a family history of the disease or an inherited gene defect.

The most typical symptom is an indolent lump in the breast near the nipple. Since men have less breast tissue, finding a lump is frequently simpler.

Gynecomastia, or the enlargement of both breasts, is typically not caused by malignancy.

Diagnosis

Men’s breast alterations are investigated with the triple test. The term “triple test” refers to three diagnostic procedures: a clinical breast examination and review of medical history; imaging using a mammogram and an ultrasound; and, if abnormalities are found, a biopsy.

Treatment for male breast cancer

Mastectomy, which entails the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple, is the primary surgical treatment for breast cancer in men. The armpit lymph nodes are typically collected at the same time. There may also be a need for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or endocrine therapy.

Genetic testing and counselling for men with breast cancer should be recommended. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are highly related with male breast cancer. Finding a gene mutation may affect family member testing and cancer screening for other malignancies (including prostate).

Prognosis

Male breast cancer can be effectively treated. Most males who are diagnosed with and receive treatment for early breast cancer will not pass away from it.