Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
The unfortunate answer to that question is yes, it is possible for a man to get breast cancer. And although less than 1% of breast cancer occur in men, they should at least be aware of the signs and who is at most at risk. As of 2021, the statistics show that out of 2,650 males with breast cancer diagnosis, the fatality estimate is around 530[1]. While the percentage of breast cancer diagnosis is low, the mortality rate is a lot higher in males than in females, primarily because of the lack of awareness of the fact that men can get breast cancer[2].
So, an important question is, who is most at risk? As with many diseases, age is an important factor when it comes to the increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. The presence of estrogen in men can also increase the chances of breast cancer in males. Men can get high estrogen levels in a variety of ways. For instance, males who are overweight can increase the levels of estrogen. Medications, liver problems, environmental factors and even excessive alcohol consumption can significantly raise estrogen levels in men as well, and in doing so, greatly increase the risk of them getting breast cancer. Having a family history of breast cancer and exposure to radiation can also be a risk factor. That is why men, especially those with higher risks of getting breast cancer, should know what to look for if they think they need to get checked.
What changes in their breasts should men look for if they are concerned? As in women, if men notice any unusual lumps or pain, especially in the region of the nipple, or if they feel any sores or see a strange discharge from the nipple, then they should immediate get checked. An inverted nipple can also be sign that they may need to get an examination. Self-evaluation of these signs and early detection is very important. As said earlier, the fact that many men do not realize that male breast cancer is a possibility make it so that most ignore the signs and don’t take any action until it is too late.
More awareness is needed of the fact that it is possible for men to get breast cancer. Although the percentage is extremely low compared to female breast cancer, it is not zero. Early detection is vitally important when it comes to saving lives. If a man wishes to seek additional information online on the topic of male breast cancer, they can visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org/male-breast-cancer, the NBCF was founded by a cancer survivor named Janelle Hail and it provides a lot of up to date information[3]. They can also visit www.breastcancer.org/, a non-profit organization that gives a lot of information on how to treat, diagnose and learn the risk factors of male breast cancer, among other things.
Here is a link that provides an extensive list of organizations and stores that are also taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness month, along with information on how someone can donate; www.websiteplanet.com/blog/breast-cancer-survivor-resources/
[1] “Male Breast Cancer” https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/males_bc?gclid=EAlalQobChMlw8Lel6kx8wlViZyGCh0gkgR0EAAYAiAAEgJh2PD_BwE
[2] “Myth: Men Do Not Get Breast Cancer; It Affects Women Only”
[3] “About NBCF”
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-nbcf/
References
"About NBCF". (n.d). About NBCF. Retrieved from www.nationalbreastcancer.org: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-nbcf/
"Male Breast Cancer". (n.d). Male Breast Cancer. Retrieved from breastcancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/male_bc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw8Lel6Kx8wIViZyGCh0gkgR0EAAYAiAAEgJh2PD_BwE
"Myth: Men Do Not Get Breast Cancer". (n.d). Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only. Retrieved from nationalbreastcancer.org: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-myths/men-do-not-get-breast-cancer-it-affects-women-only/