There’s no arguing that breast cancer awareness is making a difference in the diagnosis and treatment against the disease. But between the sea of pink ribbons and cheeky T-shirts with slogans like, “Hey girls, take care of your headlights” and “Don’t let breast cancer steal second base,” it’s understandable that men might not think they’re at risk for breast cancer.
However, that’s not true. Like women, men also have breast tissue — they just have smaller amounts of it than women do. “While breast cancer in men is rare, it’s important to recognize the signs and understand the risk factors,” said Hung Khong, MD, a breast medical oncologist with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center.
Breast cancer can also be harder to treat in men than women. The five-year survival rate for men with breast cancer is lower than that for women. This could be in part because men don’t always think they’re at risk for breast cancer so they may not recognize the warning signs and seek care right away. That could lead to larger, more advanced tumors by the time they get diagnosed.
Risk factors for breast cancer in men
Many of the factors that may lead to breast cancer in women are the same in men. Some of them include:
- Having a family member with breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer is doubled for men who have a parent, sibling or child with cancer.
- Inheriting genetic mutations, such as the BRCA1 and 2 genes.
- Aging — as you get older, your risk increases.
- Having a high-body weight.
- Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) caused by certain medications or a hormone imbalance.
- Radiation therapy to the chest.
- Race — breast cancer risk is higher in African Americans than non-Hispanic white men.
- Having high estrogen or low androgen levels, which can happen with medical conditions such as cirrhotic liver disease or Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder where a male has an extra X chromosome.
Even though these factors increase your risk, you could develop breast cancer even if you don’t have any of them.
Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer
Since breast cancer in men is uncommon, there’s no recommended screening schedule for men like there is for women. However, men should watch for any changes in their chest area and talk to a health care provider about anything that seems different or unusual.
Some signs to watch for are:
- A painless lump or swelling in the breast or chest area or armpit.
- Red, irritated, dry or scaly skin.
- Changes in the nipple, including an inverted nipple.
- Skin dimpling, indentation or puckering.
- Nipple pain or discharge.
What happens next?
If you notice a symptom that concerns you, talk to your primary care physician right away. “Diagnosis and treatment are similar to those for female breast cancer,” Dr. Khong said. To diagnose breast cancer, your doctor might recommend:
- A physical examination of the lump or area of concern.
- Imaging studies such as a mammogram, ultrasound or both.
- A biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the area and sending it to a lab for testing.
If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment options are like those that are available for women. Everyone’s treatment plan is different — it’s tailored to the type of cancer you have, how advanced the cancer is, your overall health, your risk factors and other considerations.
Your care team may recommend one or more of these treatment options:
- Surgery, usually a mastectomy (removing the breast). A lumpectomy (removing the tumor) is sometimes an option.
- Radiation therapy, especially after a lumpectomy.
- Chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer.
- Targeted therapy.
- Endocrine therapy, which is medication that blocks hormones. Usually, tamoxifen is the medication used in men.
Coping with diagnosis and treatment
“Fear, anxiety or even depression are common in people diagnosed with breast cancer, whether female or male. However, some men with breast cancer also feel embarrassed or even emasculated about having a ‘women’s disease,’” Dr. Khong said. “Men tend to be more stoic and may not seek help. I encourage men with breast cancer to openly talk about their fear, anxiety, embarrassment or any difficulty dealing with the diagnosis with their family and care team.”
Education and support are essential treatment components. Dr. Khong recommends turning to family and friends, social workers, your care team, support groups and professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists after diagnosis, as well as during and after treatment.
The bottom line
While breast cancer in women gets more attention, the disease can still strike men. It’s rare, but it happens. Men should be aware of their family history and risk factors, and should watch for any changes in their nipples, breasts, chest or armpits.
Some men feel uncomfortable about having something that’s considered a “women’s disease,” but knowing that men aren’t immune to breast cancer is a good first step toward getting rid of that perception.
If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer in yourself or a loved one, talk to your primary care doctor. If you would like to connect with a health care provider with expertise in diagnosing and treating breast cancer, reach out to Banner Health.
