Spot the signs, men can get can breast cancer too

When we hear “breast cancer,” our minds often picture women waging a brave battle against the disease. And yes, while women are more frequently affected, breast cancer doesn’t only happen to them—men can face it too. Though rare, male breast cancer is a reality that goes under the radar. Let’s explore this often-overlooked issue and shed more light on it.

Men have breast tissue too
Yes, you read that right. Men also have breast tissue, though in much smaller amounts than women. This small amount of breast tissue means that, like women, men can still develop breast cancer.

READ ALSO: Men can also have breast cancer – UITH CMD

According to Cancer Research, United Kingdom, breast cancer can develop in men, but this is rare.

This is because men have breast tissue around the nipple area. There are around 370 men diagnosed each year in the UK. This compares to around 55,500 cases in women.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said, “Female gender is the strongest breast cancer risk factor. Approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women and 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. The treatment of breast cancer in men follows the same principles of management as for women.”

In men, the common types of breast cancer include:

•⁠ ⁠Invasive ductal carcinoma: This type of cancer begins in the breast ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
•⁠ ⁠Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Here, cancer cells stay within the duct lining and haven’t moved into other tissues yet.

How to spot male breast cancer: signs and symptoms

Just like in women, spotting breast cancer early in men can make all the difference.

Here are some signs to keep an eye on:

Lumps or thickening

Usually, a painless lump or thickening in the breast or under the nipple is the first sign.
Changes in the nipple
If you notice the nipple pulling inward, redness, peeling, or discharge, it’s best to get checked.

Breast pain
Though not as common, pain in the breast can sometimes signal cancer.

What puts men at risk?
There’s still a lot to uncover about the exact cause, but certain factors have been found to increase the chances of men getting breast cancer:
•⁠ ⁠Age: Just like other cancers, the risk rises with age. Most male breast cancer cases are found in men over 60.
•⁠ ⁠Family history: If breast cancer runs in your family, especially among close female relatives, your risk is higher.
•⁠ ⁠Radiation exposure: Men who have had radiation treatment for other conditions may face a higher risk.
•⁠ ⁠Liver conditions: Liver diseases, like cirrhosis, can impact hormone levels and, in turn, increase breast cancer risk.

The lifesaving power of early detection

Getting ahead of breast cancer can be life-changing. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or feel concerned about your risk, don’t wait—reach out to a doctor. They may suggest imaging tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, or even a biopsy to confirm what’s going on.

Working Together to Raise Awareness
With this knowledge, let’s join hands to spread awareness. Male breast cancer may be rare, but it’s very real, and together, we can make sure more men know the signs and take action