1 in 400 men detected with breast cancer, say doctors
Men can also be afflicted with breast cancer, says Dr. Shishir Shetty. It is a rare disease which only 1% of men are detected with.
Breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and survival are similar for both genders. Men experience many of the same primary symptoms or signs of breast cancer like lump or swelling in the chest area or new irregularities on the skin or nipples such as redness, scaliness or puckering. Generally, male breasts have less tissue than female due to which it is easier to detect lumps.
In most cases, breast cancers in men are diagnosed at more advanced stages than women. Most of the time the men may not notice breast lumps or they consult a doctor very late when the lumps have become large. “Early detection and prompt treatment are the best way to reduce the number of male breast cancer (MBC) cases. Hence, it is
always recommended to invest in prevention as it can help with early diagnosis of the health problems that may become serious at later stages,” said senior doctor.
Men have a higher risk of developing cancer if they have a family history of breast disease or a mutation in a breast cancer gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
“In addition, age, high levels of radiation, elevated levels of estrogen (which can be caused by genetic conditions), other diseases, some kind of medical treatment and lifestyle can increase a man’s risk of breast cancer,” said a senior doctor.
It is rare for a man under age 35 to get breast cancer. The chance of a man getting breast cancer goes up with age. Most breast cancers happen to men between ages 60 and 70. “Along with MBC, they also have several risk factors like cirrhosis, enlargements of breasts and other diseases. The male breast cancer occurs only in 1 in 400 men and the survival rate is only 73%,” said Dr. Shishir Shetty, oncologist at Hiranandani hospital.
“The one major difference is that men with breast cancer have hormones therapy. Abo- ut 90% male breast cancers have hormone receptors, meaning hormone therapy can work in most men to treat cancer,” added Dr Shetty.