Breast Cancer – whenever we hear these words, our mind instantly recognises it as an issue that is generally associated with women. But what if I were to tell you that men can develop it, too? It may be rarer, but even men suffer from the same problem.
Men have breast tissue composed of fatty cells, fibrous stroma, ducts, and lobules—just like women. The only difference between the two genders is that female hormones make them grow during puberty, while male hormones suppress it. But that doesn’t mean men are immune to cancer in that region.
Therefore, in this article, we’re diving deep into male breast cancer: what it is, how to identify it, and the steps you can take to protect yourself before it’s too late.
What is Breast Cancer in Men?
Cancer, when understood in simple terms, is an uncontrollable growth of cells. This growth results in the formation of tumours that can invade nearby healthy tissues and spread to other parts of the body as well. Hence, in the case of breast cancer in men, abnormal cells start developing in the breast tissue and cause the same risks and complications as in women.
Once these tumours start growing, individuals start noticing lump formations or thickening in breast tissues located beneath the nipple. With time, and if not cured, it can also cause problems like skin alteration, swelling due to lymph node involvement, and nipple changes, including discharge and retraction.
What’s really noteworthy is the fact that men have small amounts of breast tissue, and the cancerous growth spreads rapidly to surrounding areas. Therefore, it becomes important to understand the types of breast cancers that affect men.
Types of breast cancer in men
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) – The most common type, where cancer begins in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissues.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) – A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells remain confined within the ducts and haven’t spread.
Lobular Carcinoma (Rare in Men) – Cancer that begins in the lobules, though this is extremely uncommon since male breasts have few lobules.
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple – A rare cancer that starts in the ducts but spreads to the nipple and surrounding skin, often causing redness, scaling, and irritation.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) – A rare but aggressive type where cancer cells block lymph vessels, leading to swelling, redness, and pain in the breast.
Frequency of Breast Cancer in men
Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare but significant health concern, accounting for 1–1.9% of all breast cancer cases worldwide. In India, a study recorded 18 cases out of 1,752 breast cancer cases (1.03%) over a span of 10 years, highlighting its rarity. Another study in Punjab found 34 cases over 4.5 years, comprising 1.9% of total breast cancer cases at the institute.
Despite its lower occurrence compared to female breast cancer, the incidence of MBC has increased by approximately 26% over the past 25 years, pointing to a growing concern. In the United States, estimates from 2009 reported 1,910 new cases and 440 deaths, emphasising the need for awareness and early detection.
Though uncommon, the rising cases indicate the importance of recognising symptoms, seeking timely medical attention, and advancing research to improve treatment outcomes for men diagnosed with this disease.
What causes breast cancer in men?
Despite a lot of research being done in this field, there is no apparent cause identified behind male breast cancer. However, the researchers have realised that this issue comes to light after a mutation occurs in the DNA of the breast cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Different reasons, such as genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, can cause this.
Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer:
Age: One of the most common risk factors for male breast cancer is age, with most cases diagnosed in men aged 58.5–67 years. According to a study, the median age of presentation is 60 years, with most cases occurring in men in their 60s.
High Estrogen Levels: Men with conditions like obesity, liver disease or those undergoing hormone therapy face a higher risk due to elevated estrogen levels. Studies show that ER-positive tumours are found in 76.5%–81.8% of cases, indicating a strong link between hormone levels and male breast cancer.
Family History: Having people in your blood relation with breast cancer automatically puts you in great danger of developing the disease as well.
Genetic mutation: Another reason behind this disease could be inherited mutation in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Radiation Exposure: Radiation has always been one of the common causes of cancer in humans. So, a person who has undergone radiation treatment, especially to the chest, can have damaged cells, which can eventually lead to breast cancer in men.
Treatment options for Breast Cancer in men
Breast Cancer in Men is a treatable disease, especially if detected in the early stage. However, the treatment options depend on the cancer stage, type, and overall patient health. Just like in women, a combination of therapies is often used to ensure the best outcome. So, let’s take a look at some of the common treatments for male breast cancer:
Surgery: One of the most common treatments for breast cancer is surgery. In this method, the tumour is removed from the body through a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) or lumpectomy (removal of just the tumour).
Hormone Therapy: Since many male breast cancers are hormone-sensitive, medications like tamoxifen block estrogen to slow down or stop cancer growth.
Chemotherapy: Another treatment considered highly effective is chemotherapy, where a powerful drug is used to kill cancer cells. This treatment is only recommended for advanced stages of cancer.
Immunotherapy: In rare cases, experts also believe in boosting the immune system, which is called immunotherapy. This boost helps the body fight cancer more effectively.
While male breast cancer is rare, awareness and early detection can make a life-saving difference. If you notice any unusual changes, don’t ignore them—seeking medical advice early can lead to effective treatment and recovery. The good news is that advancements in research and treatment have significantly improved survival rates, giving hope to those diagnosed.
Remember, cancer does not define strength—resilience, awareness, and timely action do. Let’s break the stigma, spread awareness, and encourage men to prioritise their health because early detection isn’t just important—it’s empowering.
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