Men too can get breast cancer

BOTH men and women have breast tissue.

In men, most breast tissue is located behind the nipple. Women have a lot more breast tissue than men - and a much higher rate of breast cancer.

Cancers can, however, occur in male breast tissue.

However, breast cancer is uncommon in men and it usually occurs in males over the age of 50.

As our population ages, we are likely to see a gradual increase in the number of men diagnosed with breast cancer.

It is therefore increasingly important to provide information and support to affected men and their families.

Symptoms of breast cancer in men Symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those for women and include:

*a breast lump

*thickening of the breast tissue *dimpling of the skin of the breast *change in shape of the breast or nipple *a discharge from the nipple

*a painful area

*swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area.

Causes of breast cancer in men

Some factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer in men include:

*increasing age

*family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (male or female) who have had BRCA2 breast cancer; or several relatives who have had colon, prostate or ovarian cancer

*high levels of oestrogen

*some testicular disorders *Klinefelter’s syndrome — a rare condition where men have two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome (XXY instead of XY).

*lifestyle factors that slightly increase the risk of breast cancer in men and women include: *drinking alcohol

*being overweight

*lack of physical activity.

Diagnosis of breast cancer in men

Tests for diagnosing breast cancer in men are the same as those for women. They include: Mammogram a low-dose x-ray of the breasts

Breast ultrasound a painless scan using soundwaves to create a picture of your breast

Biopsy where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under microscope by a specialist.

Treatment for breast cancer in men

Treatment depends on the extent of the cancer. Surgery

The main treatment for breast cancer in men is surgical removal of the breast (mastectomy). The whole breast is removed, including the nipple. Usually the pectoralis muscles under the breast do not need to be removed.

Partial mastectomy is usually not a suitable option for men.

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) Radiation therapy is sometimes recommended after surgery with the aim of eradicating any cancer cells that may remain. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be recommended after surgery, especially if cancer is seen in the lymph nodes. Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy may be used in addition to other treatments.

Hormone therapy aims to block the effect of oestrogen or reduce the amount of oestrogen in the body.

They are effective treatment for breast cancer that has oestrogen (ER) receptors. These are taken as tablets, usually for a five or ten year course. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies use drugs to treat certain types of breast cancer.

The most commonly used drug is Herceptin — It is usually given in combination with chemotherapy.

Palliative care

In some cases of breast cancer, your medical team may talk to you about palliative care. Palliative care aims to improve your quality of life by alleviating symptoms of cancer.

As well as slowing the spread of breast cancer, palliative treatment can relieve pain and help manage other symptoms. Treatment may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other drug therapies.— cancer.org.au