When we think of breasts, we tend to think of women. But men also have breast tissue and can develop breast diseases, including cancer.
Breast cancer in men is rare. Fewer than one per cent of all breast cancers occur in men. In 2011, an estimated 23,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 190 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men. Although the risk of male breast cancer is low, it does happen. Despite the small number of cases, breast cancer in men is not well understood, stigmatized, and can be mis-diagnosed or diagnosed late.
Men have a significantly lower risk of breast cancer than women because their breast duct cells are less developed than women’s. One type of breast cancer, called ductal carcinoma in situ, starts in the breast ducts. Another reason for the difference in risk levels between men and women, is that men’s breast cells are not constantly exposed to the female hormone estrogen, which is an established risk factor in the development of breast cancer.
Given that breasts and breast cancer tend to be associated with women, men who are diagnosed with breast cancer may feel some stigma or they may feel very alone. If you are a man who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you do not have to face it alone. There is information and support available for men with breast cancer.
What to look for
The most common symptoms of male breast cancer are a painless lump near the nipple or discharge from the nipple. Men have less fat tissue in their breasts than women, so lumps may be more easily detected. However, because men may not be aware of other breast cancer symptoms, they may ignore early warning signs and delay seeking medical attention.
Earlier detection is key to the successful treatment of breast cancer, so it’s important for men to be breast aware and see a health care provider right away if they notice the following.
Lumps/ thickening of the skin in the breast area.
Nipple changes or discharge from the nipple.
Redness of the skin or nipple.
Skin changes.
Dimpling or puckering.
Swelling or pain in the breast area or under the arm.
Know your risks
Many of the risk factors for breast cancer in men are the same as for women: a family history of breast or ovarian cancer; lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, being an unhealthy weight or physically inactive; and radiation exposure to the chest for medical treatment, particularly as a child or youth.
Risk factors for men include the following:
Higher than average levels of estrogen. Men who take estrogen, or have conditions that disrupt hormone levels such as cirrhosis or Klinefelter syndrome, are at higher risk.
Age. Most breast cancer in men occurs after 60.
Testicular conditions. Preliminary research suggests that some testicular conditions may increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
Regular exercise, a healthier body weight, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are some ways men can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages men, like women, to be breast aware. Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and if something doesn’t look or feel right, discuss your concerns with a health care provider.
More Information
Breast cancer treatment
Living with breast cancer
Resources for men with breast cancer
Male breast cancer: A Man’s Pink organization and website
Sources
American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer in Men. Accessed July 31, 2011.
Canadian Cancer Society’s Steering Committee on Cancer Statistics. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2011, Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society, 2011. Accessed July 31, 2011.
Mount Sinai Hospital. Breast Cancer: Men get it too. Accessed July 31, 2011.