Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer in men is rare, affecting about 2,600 men in the United States every year. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men. Male breast cancer can occur at any age, however, it is more common in older men over the age of 60. Men can also carry gene mutations (eg BRCA) that increase their risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancer.
Male breast cancer grows in a man’s breast tissue. Male breasts can’t produce milk but they do have fatty tissue, duct, and breast cells. The cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in breast tissue which forms a tumor. The tumor can also spread to other parts of the body, known as “metastatic disease”.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors for male breast cancer include:
- Being over the age of 50.
- Having certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
- A family history of breast cancer.
- Taking estrogen therapy.
- Having radiation therapy that targets the chest.
- Having Klinefelter syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a man to have an additional X chromosome.
- Testicle injuries or surgery.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Having liver disease, especially cirrhosis.
What Are the Types of Male Breast Cancer?
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
- Invasive lobular carcinoma
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Paget’s disease of the nipple
What Are the Most Common Signs of Breast Cancer in Men?
Men don’t typically get regular mammogram scans like women, therefore, a physical sign of breast cancer will usually be the first thing a man or a partner notices:
- A lump or swelling, which is often (but not always) painless
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
- Discharge from the nipple
If you notice any of these signs or something else that concerns you, it is very important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment Options
Treatment for breast cancer in men depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Treatment usually beings with surgery to remove the tumor and, in many cases, all the breast tissue (mastectomy) and some of the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes.
It is important to discuss all of your options with your doctor and ask questions such as:
- What treatments are appropriate for me? What do you recommend?
- How long will treatment last?
- What risks or side effects should I expect?
- What should I do to prepare for treatment?
- How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
- Should I get a second opinion?
- How soon do I need to start treatment?
Know All Your Options
If you are a man or woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, or you are considering surgery to decrease your risk of breast cancer – Breast Advocate® is for you. Breast Advocate® is a free app that provides ALL your surgical options along with evidence-based recommendations, personalized for you.
Download the latest version of the Breast Advocate® app here.
