top of page
SBC Logo Transparent background

News, Articles, & Stories

Men Get Breast Cancer Too

You are not in this alone. 

​

Breast Cancer In Men

Breast cancer in men is a rare condition that affects men of all ages, though it is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 60. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1% of all breast cancers diagnosed each year. Male breast cancer usually starts in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast, and can metastasize (spread) male breast cancer is male breast cancer that has spread to the liver. Male breast cancer usually starts in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast, and can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, brain, and liver.

 

Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it is important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer. These include a lump or mass in the chest, discharge from the nipple, and changes in the appearance of the nipple or breast. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor right away. With prompt treatment, male breast cancer can be successfully treated.

Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer

 

The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast tissue. However, some men may also experience the following symptoms:

 

-Pain or tenderness in the breast

-Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple (such as redness, scaling, or inverted nipple)

-Skin changes on the breast (such as dimpling or puckering)

-Swelling of the breast

-Lymph node enlargement (under the arm or around the collarbone)

 

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by benign conditions, such as gynecomastia (enlargement of male breasts due to hormonal changes). Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can properly diagnose the cause of these symptoms.

​

Risk factors for male breast cancer include:

 

-Increasing age

-Family history of breast cancer (male or female relatives) in which case you may consider genetic testing in order to understand your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

-Exposure to certain chemicals, such as radiation or estrogenic compounds

-Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic condition that affects males)

-Liver disease

-Obesity

 

There is no sure way to prevent male breast cancer and having a family history of breast cancer does not mean you will get breast caner either. However, you may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding exposure to known risk factors, such as certain chemicals and radiation. You should also see a doctor regularly for check-ups, so that any cancerous growths can be detected early.

 

Male breast cancer treatment

 

The treatment of male breast cancer will depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemoherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these methods.

 

Surgery is the most common treatment for male breast cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the stage of the cancer. If you develop breast cancer a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor without removing the entire breast) may be an option. For more advanced cancers, a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) may be necessary.

 

Radiation therapy treatment uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery.

 

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with radiation therapy.

 

Hormone therapy uses drugs to block the effects of hormones that can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

 

Examples of hormone therapy include tamoxifen or a class of drugs referred to as aromatase inhibitors.

 

Prevention of male breast cancer

 

There is no sure way to prevent male breast cancer. However, you may be able to reduce your risk by avoiding exposure to known risk factors, such as certain chemicals and radiation. You should also see a doctor regularly for checkups, so that any cancerous growths can be detected early.

 

Living with male breast cancer

 

A diagnosis of male breast cancer can be overwhelming. You may feel scared, alone, and unsure of what the future holds. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.

 

The most important thing you can if you have been diagnosed with male breast cancer do is to learn as much as you can about your cancer and your treatment options. This will help you make informed decisions about your care. You should also talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask any questions you have.

 

There are also many support groups available for people with breast cancer. These groups can provide emotional support and practical advice. You may find it helpful to talk to other people who are going through similar experiences and living with a male breast cancer diagnosis.

Understanding the subsets of breast cancer

 

In order to make informed decisions about your care, it is important to understand the different types of male breast cancer. The two main types of male breast cancer are ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma.

 

Infiltrating Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of male breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and typically spreads to the surrounding tissue.

 

Lobular carcinoma is a less common type of male breast cancer. It begins in the milk lobules and may spread to other parts of the breast.

 

In addition to these two main types of male breast cancer, there are several subtypes. The most common subtypes are invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and ductal carcinoma in situ.

 

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most aggressive form of male breast cancer. It typically spreads quickly and can be difficult to treat.

 

Invasive lobular carcinoma is less aggressive than invasive ductal carcinoma, but it can still spread quickly.

 

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive form of male breast cancer. It means that the breast cancer cells are present in the ducts, but have not spread to the surrounding tissue.

 

In addition to the different types of male breast cancer, there is also a subtype known as inflammatory breast cancer. This type of cancer is rare, but it is more aggressive than other types of male breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer typically spreads quickly and can be difficult to treat. This type of cancer is rare, but it is more aggressive than other types of male breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer typically spreads quickly and can be difficult to treat.

​

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer

The most common symptom of inflammatory breast cancer is a change in the appearance of the breast. The breast may appear red, swollen, or have a rash. Other symptoms may include pain, nipple discharge, and changes in the size or shape of the breast.

 

Treatment for inflammatory breast cancer

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for male breast cancer, as the best course of action will depend on the individual case. However, treatment typically includes a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In some cases, hormone therapy or targeted therapy may also be used.

 

Inspiring stories of male breast cancer

 

A diagnosis of male breast cancer can be devastating, but it is important to remember that there are many people who have been through similar experiences and gone on to lead happy and healthy lives.

 

One inspiring story is that of Dale Oen, a world-champion swimmer from Norway. Oen was diagnosed with male breast cancer in 2011, but he continued to compete and went on to win a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. He is now cancer-free and serves as an inspiration to other male breast cancer survivors.

 

Another inspiring story is that of John Travolta, who was diagnosed with male breast cancer in 2010. Travolta underwent treatment and is now cancer-free. He has been very open about his experience with male breast cancer and has said that his main goal is to raise awareness about the disease.

 

These stories show that a diagnosis of male breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. With early detection and treatment, many people are able to lead long and healthy lives.

 

Questions to ask your doctors about male breast cancer

 

If you have been diagnosed with male breast cancer, you will probably have many questions for your doctors. Here are some important questions to ask:

 

-What is the stage of my cancer?

-What is the grade of my tumor?

-What are my treatment options?

-What are the side effects of each treatment option?

-How likely is it that my cancer will come back after treatment?

-What can I do to reduce my risk of recurrence?

-What are the long-term side effects of my treatment?

-How will my treatment affect my quality of life?

-Is there anything I can do to improve my prognosis?

Male Breast Cancer: Treatment Side Effects

 

After a male breast cancer diagnosis, you will likely have many questions about your treatment options and the potential side effects. It is important to discuss these with your doctor so that you can make the best decision for your health.

 

Some common side effects of male breast cancer treatment include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects can be difficult to deal with, but there are ways to manage them.

 

Fatigue is a common side effect of male breast cancer treatment. It is important to get plenty of rest and to pace yourself. You may need to cut back on your activities or take a break from work.

 

Hair loss is another common

side effect of male breast cancer treatment. There are a number of ways to deal with hair loss, such as wearing a wig or using cold caps.

 

Nausea and vomiting are other common side effects of male breast cancer treatment. There are medication that can help to control these symptoms.

 

It is important to discuss the potential side effects of male breast cancer treatment with your doctor so that you can make the best decision for your health.

 

BRCA1

and BRCA2: What You Need to Know

 

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are important in the development of male breast cancer. These genes are responsible for repairing damaged DNA.

 

Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of male breast cancer. Men with these mutations have a higher risk of developing male breast cancer, especially if they have a family history of the disease.

 

There are a number of ways to test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. A blood test can be used to look for the genetic mutation.

 

If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, you may be able to take steps to reduce your risk of male breast cancer. For example, you may be able to take medication to lower your risk. You may also be able to have surgery to remove your breasts.

 

If you are at high risk for male breast cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about your options. You may be able to take steps to reduce your risk.

 

Male Breast Cancer: Coping with a Diagnosis

 

A male breast cancer diagnosis can be difficult to deal with. You may feel scared, overwhelmed, and alone. It is important to remember that you are not alone.

Every diagnosis is unique. Read their stories, hear their voices, feel inspired. 

Get the Facts

Breast cancer in men is a rare condition that affects men of all ages

Male breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects men. Though it is not as common as breast cancer in women, it can be just as deadly.

bottom of page