Information on Male Breast Cancer Symptoms
We don’t often think of breast cancer as a man’s disease but it is more common than one would think. It is a real threat to thousands of men every year and yet gets very little media attention. Less than 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men, which doesn’t sound like much but that’s about 1,970 cases per year resulting in 390 deaths annually.
Both men and women are born with breast tissue but women begin to develop more when they enter puberty. Both sexes have milk ducts capable of lactation with the proper hormone balance. Men’s breasts do not develop like women’s due to the increase in testosterone that occurs in puberty.
Make breast cancer is more common in older men aged 60 to 70. If it is detected in the early stages there is an excellent chance of a cure. However, many men who find a lump on their breast area or experience pain don’t consult their physician. This is often simply due to a lack of understanding of the seriousness of lumps found, but also they may put it off as they associate ailments of the breast with a challenge to their manhood. These reasons contribute to the number of cases that are not found until they are in the advanced stages and more difficult to treat.
There are distinct symptoms of male breast cancer, the most obvious being a painless lump or thickening in the breast tissue. There might also be changes to the skin of the breast area like puckering, dimpling, scales or reddened skin. Nipples sometimes turn inward or develop scaling, redness or discharge. Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously and the man should get to his doctor’s office as soon as possible.
The medical field isn’t exactly clear on what causes male breast cancer. Some of the cells in the breast start to grow abnormally and form a tumor that may spread to the rest of the body starting with the lymph nodes.
There are distinctive risk factors for male breast cancer. Men between the ages of 60-70 years old are the usual victims although there have been several cases in younger men. Drinking alcohol to excess, a family history of breast cancer, obesity, liver disease or exposure to radiation are also risk factors.
Men who take estrogen related drugs are also at risk. So are those who receive hormone therapy for prostate cancer, which is one reason why some doctors have to weigh the pros and cons of treating prostate cancer in its early stages. Research has found that men rarely die because of prostate cancer; it manifests itself so late in life that most men do not die because they have prostate cancer but they will have the condition upon their death.
In an attempt to reduce the occurrence of breast cancer men should be aware of their family medical history. It is also well advised that they limit their consumption of alcohol to a moderate level, watch their weight, exercise and eat a healthy diet.
If you are a male with one of the symptoms of breast cancer or have any concerns, you should see your physician immediately. Contracting breast cancer should not be considered a threat to your masculinity but is simply a disease that attacks the breast tissue that both sexes share. Early detection and treatment is essential in combating this disease.
Information on Male Breast Cancer Symptoms
