Men Also At Risk of Breast Cancer

Do men have breasts?

Men also have breasts, although they are typically smaller than women's (although some men may have larger breasts than some women). All human beings, regardless of gender, are born with breast tissue. However, during puberty, women's breasts tend to develop and enlarge while men's typically remain the same size. It's important to note that men's breasts can also be susceptible to breast diseases, including breast cancer, which is a major concern.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer in men? The likelihood of breast cancer in men is quite low, accounting for only about 1% of all breast cancer cases, or roughly 1 in 1,000 men. However, there are some common risk factors that are similar to those for breast cancer in women, including:

Aging: Most breast cancers in men occur in older individuals, with the risk increasing with age. Men between the ages of 60 and 70 are most commonly affected, while cases in individuals under 35 are rare.
Family history: A history of breast cancer among first-degree relatives can increase the risk of breast cancer in men, just as it does in women.
Radiation exposure: Radiation treatment to the chest area can increase the risk of breast cancer in men, as can breast enlargement in men (known as gynecomastia) regardless of the cause, whether medication-induced, hormonal, or spontaneous.
Hormone therapy: Use of estrogen-based medications, such as those used for birth control, can increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women, including transgender women and any type of man.
Liver disease: Patients with liver disease, such as cirrhosis, often have a history of gynecomastia, which is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in men.
Testicular disease: Inflammatory conditions of the testicles, such as mumps, as well as undescended testicles, can cause hormonal imbalances in men and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Genetic disorders: Rare chromosomal disorders, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, can also increase the risk of breast cancer in men.
Severity of breast cancer in men versus women: Although breast cancer in men may appear less severe than in women due to a smaller lump size, it is equally as dangerous. However, because breast cancer in men is often detected later than in women due to a lack of awareness and routine screening, it may require more extensive treatment and be more difficult to manage.

Symptoms

Breast cancer in men is similar to breast cancer in women, as it also presents as hard lumps that can be felt beneath the skin. However, since men have smaller breast tissue, the lumps are often larger and more noticeable. Furthermore, the lack of breast tissue surrounding the cancerous lump means that it can easily spread to nearby tissues, and even the skin or ribs. As a result, early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Diagnosis

Similarly, for breast cancer in women, palpation examination, ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy are all standard diagnostic tools.

Treatment

The treatment of breast cancer in men is not different from that of breast cancer in women. It typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and/or a combination of these treatments.

Targeted therapy is also a treatment option for breast cancer, and its use depends on various factors such as the pathology, stage, and biopsy characteristics of each patient.

Treatment Results

Similarly to breast cancer in women, the treatment outcomes for breast cancer in men depend on the stage of the disease. If it is caught early, the chances of a cure are higher compared to when it is caught in later stages. However, as previously mentioned, breast cancer in men often goes undetected due to lack of awareness and regular check-ups, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially poorer treatment outcomes. Therefore, it is important for men to regularly examine their bodies for any abnormalities.

In conclusion, men should not overlook the importance of regular body check-ups.

Dr Thanet Puapornpong, M.D.

Specialist Surgeon at Breast Clinic, Vibhavadi Hospital