Silent danger: Understanding male breast cancer
WHENEVER breast cancer is mentioned, men often do not pay much attention as they believe that they are not at risk of contracting the disease.
This is an old perception that is not necessarily true, perhaps born out of the statistical evidence which shows that more women have suffered or even succumbed to the ailment when compared to their male counterparts.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and strange as it may seem, we need to be reminded that men can also get breast cancer.
However, a cursory internet research revealed that breast cancer is fairly rare among males.
Only about one percent of breast cancer cases occur in men.
In fact, for men, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is about one in 1 000.
Prominent Mutare medical practitioner, Dr Tendai Zuze said: “The truth is that boys, girls, men and women all have breast tissue. The various hormones in girls and women’s bodies stimulate the breast tissue to grow into full breasts.
“Boys and men’s bodies normally don’t make much of the breast-stimulating hormones. As a result, their breast tissue usually stays flat and small. But sometimes men can develop real breast tissue because they take certain medicines or have abnormal hormone levels.”
Medical research showed that a number of factors can increase a man’s risk of getting breast cancer. It is important to understand these risk factors because men are not usually screened for this condition. As a result, breast cancer tends to be more advanced in men when it is first detected.
Dr Zuze said: “Growing older is the biggest factor. Just as is the case for women, risk increases with age. The average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is about 68 years.
“High oestrogen levels is also a factor. Breast cell growth, both normal and abnormal, is stimulated by the presence of oestrogen. Men can have high oestrogen levels as a result of taking hormonal medicines, being overweight, being alcoholic and having liver disease.
“A strong family history of breast cancer is also a factor. Family history can increase the risk of breast cancer in men, particularly if other men in the family have had breast cancer. The risk is also higher if there is a proven breast cancer gene abnormality in the family.”
Dr Zuze said radiation exposure as well as various lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of breast cancer.
“Having radiation therapy to the chest before age 30, and particularly during adolescence, may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This has been seen in young people receiving radiation to treat other diseases.
“As with other types of cancer, studies continue to show that various lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of breast cancer. These include being obese, lack of exercise and excessive smoking and drinking,” he said.
Dr Zuze said minimising these risk factors will go a long way in reducing one’s chance of getting breast cancer.
“As a man, if you notice any persistent changes to your breasts, you should contact your doctor. Here are some things to watch out for — a lump felt in the breast, nipple pain, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge (clear or bloody), sores on and around the nipple and enlarged lymph nodes under the arm.
“It is important to note that enlargement of both breasts is usually not cancer. The medical term for this is gynecomastia. Sometimes the breasts can become quite large. Non-cancer-related enlargement of the breasts can be caused by medications, heavy alcohol use, weight gain, or marijuana use.
“After an abnormality on the breast is noted, tests are performed to see if the problem is cancer. Possible tests include mammogram, ultrasound scanning, nipple discharge examination and biopsy (where a piece of the suspicious breast is cut off and examined in the laboratory),” he said.
Researchers on breast cancer have revealed that if a cancer diagnosis is made, the doctor might recommend more tests.
For example, an MRI scan can show how much cancer is in the affected breast relative to the normal tissue right under and next to the breast cancer.
This information may help the surgeon to plan the surgery. Plus, an MRI can help evaluate the other breast to see if it’s fine. Other tests, such as blood work, chest X-ray, and bone scan, might be done to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Dr Zuze said: “Most men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo some form of treatment for the disease. The most favourable course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the breast tumour, the stage of the cancer, and results of other laboratory tests.”
A stitch in time saves nine. If you have noted any of the symptoms of breast cancer outlined above, please visit your doctor.