17 Jan Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment & Prevention
Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment & Prevention
By Island Hospital | January 17, 2025 2:00:00 PM
Male breast cancer is rare but real. Only about 1 in 726 men develop breast cancer, comprising just 0.5-1% of all breast cancer cases.
Because of this low prevalence, breast cancer is often dismissed as a women’s disease – a misconception that can be dangerous.
This guide provides an essential overview of male breast cancer, exploring types of breast cancer, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
By demystifying male breast cancer, we aim to raise awareness and empower men to recognise potential signs and seek timely medical attention.
What is Male Breast Cancer?
Male breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the breast tissue of men. Men have a small amount of breast tissue, where cancer can develop, primarily in the milk ducts.
This type of cancer is uncommon but can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Early-stage diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment.
Male vs. Female Breast Cancer
Male and female breast cancers are similar in their origins and how they spread. However, male breast cancer is much rarer, making up less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.
As a result, awareness is lower, and it is often diagnosed at more advanced stages in men. This delay can affect treatment outcomes.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer include:
- A lump or thickening of the skin on the chest, often painless.
- Changes to the skin on the chest, such as dimpling, puckering, scaling).
- Changes in the color of the skin.
- Changes to the nipple, such as scaling, inversion, or change in colour.
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
When Should I Be Concerned About Male Breast Pain?
Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any persistent or unusual pain with:
- a lump
- visible changes to the skin
- visible changes to the nipple, or
- swelling
During the appointment, your doctor will perform a physical test and further testing (if necessary) to make an accurate diagnosis.
Male breast pain could be a sign of a variety of conditions, including muscle strain, gynecomastia, jogger’s nipple, cysts, breast fat necrosis, fibroadenoma, and breast cancer.
How Do I Know if I Have Gynecomastia or Cancer?
Gynecomastia, a benign condition, causes enlargement of breast tissue in men. It usually presents as soft, symmetrical swelling beneath the nipple. In contrast, cancer often feels hard, irregular, and fixed in place. A physician may recommend imaging tests or a biopsy to distinguish between the two.
Types of Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer includes various types, such as:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, accounting for most cases. It starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissues.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A non-invasive form of cancer confined to the milk ducts, which can develop
- Lobular carcinoma: Rare in men due to the lack of lobules in male breast tissue.
- Paget’s disease of the nipple: A rare cancer that begins in the nipple ducts and spreads to the surrounding area, often accompanied by skin changes.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: An aggressive and rare form that causes redness and swelling in the breast.
Stages of Male Breast Cancer
Cancer staging describes the extent of cancer growth:
- Stage 0: Non-invasive cancer, such as DCIS, confined to the ducts.
- Stage I: A small tumor localised to the breast tissue without lymph node involvement.
- Stage II – III: Larger tumours or those that have spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues.
- Stage IV: Cancer that has metastasized to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
Causes
Male breast cancer is primarily caused by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA2 gene, and a family history of breast cancer significantly increase risk.
Hormonal imbalances, such as elevated estrogen levels from obesity, liver disease, or conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, can also stimulate breast tissue growth and lead to cancer.
Learn more about the risk factors of male breast cancer in the following section.
Curious to learn more about how cancer works? Check out our in-depth article on the 9 most common cancers.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your risk of developing male breast cancer:
- Aged 60 and above
- Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
- Medications containing estrogen
- Family history of breast cancer
- Inherited DNA changes (e.g., changes in the BRCA gene, PTEN gene, TP53, MMR gene)
- Medical conditions that increase estrogen levels (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, liver disease, gynecomastia, obesity)
- Testicle disease, injury, or surgery
- Radiation therapy (focused at chest or torso)
If you fall into any one of these categories, schedule a screening with your healthcare provider. This ensures early detection and effective treatment of male breast cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing male breast cancer typically involves several steps to ensure accuracy and proper staging:
- Clinical examination: The doctor will physically examine the chest and surrounding areas for lumps, skin changes, or abnormalities. This initial step often guides further testing.
- Imaging tests: Mammograms are X-rays of the breast tissue that can reveal abnormal growths. Ultrasounds use sound waves to differentiate between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts. These tests provide a clearer picture of suspicious areas.
- Biopsy: A biopsy involves extracting a sample of breast tissue from the suspicious area. This sample is analyzed under a microscope to confirm whether the cells are cancerous. Different types of biopsies, such as fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy, may be used depending on the situation.
- Hormone receptor testing: If cancer is confirmed, the tumor is tested for hormone receptors like estrogen and progesterone. This information helps guide treatment options.
- Additional tests: Advanced imaging, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans, may be conducted to assess the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Blood tests: In some cases, blood tests may be used to evaluate overall health and detect markers associated with cancer progression.
How is Male Breast Cancer Treated?
Treatment for male breast cancer is individualized based on the cancer’s type, stage, and hormone receptor status. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: Your doctor may perform a mastectomy, which is the complete removal of the breast tissue is the most common surgical approach for male breast cancer. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, your doctor may perform a procedure where the lymph nodes are surgically removed to prevent further spread.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays target the breast area to destroy any remaining cancer cells post-surgery. It is particularly beneficial when lymph nodes are involved or if the tumor is large.
- Chemotherapy: This systemic treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is often used for larger tumors, advanced stages, or when cancer has spread.
- Hormone therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers, medications like tamoxifen are prescribed to block estrogen’s ability to fuel cancer growth. This approach is particularly effective for many male breast cancer cases.
- Targeted therapy: These drugs are designed to target specific proteins or genetic mutations in cancer cells. For example, HER2-positive cancers may be treated with trastuzumab.
- Immunotherapy: This emerging treatment helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It may be an option for certain advanced cases.
- Clinical trials: Patients may also consider enrolling in clinical trials to access new and experimental treatments.
Measures to Prevent Breast Cancer
Here are a few steps to lower your risk of breast cancer, an enhance overall wellbeing:
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity increases the risk of male breast cancer by altering hormone levels, particularly increasing estrogen. Engage in regular physical activity and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
2. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol use is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Stop this habit entirely or limit your drinking to a maximum of two drinks a day (recommendation for men).
3. Avoid Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Reduce contact with estrogen-like compounds in certain pesticides, plastics, or industrial chemicals. Use protective equipment when working in environments with potential chemical exposure.
4. Address Hormonal Imbalances
Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or liver disease can cause elevated estrogen levels, increasing the risk. Seek medical advice if you notice signs of hormonal imbalance, such as breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia).
5. Understand and Manage Family History
A family history of breast cancer or BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increases risk. Consider genetic counseling and testing if you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
6. Regular Health Screenings
Conduct self-examinations for unusual lumps or changes in the chest area. Discuss any unusual symptoms, such as nipple discharge or changes in the breast, with a doctor promptly.
7. Quit Smoking
Smoking has been linked to several types of cancer, including male breast cancer in some studies. Quitting smoking reduces overall cancer risk and improves general health.
8. Stay Informed About Radiation Exposure
High-dose radiation to the chest, especially at a younger age, increases risk. Avoid unnecessary medical imaging involving radiation and discuss safer alternatives with your doctor if frequent imaging is required.
9. Monitor Medications and Treatments
Long-term use of medications affecting hormones (e.g., estrogen-related treatments) may increase risk. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if undergoing hormonal therapy or taking certain medications.
Island Hospital: Your Trusted Partner For Breast Cancer Solutions
At Island Hospital, our specialists from the Clinical Oncology and Haemato-Oncology Centre are always here to guide you throughout your breast cancer journey.
Our multidisciplinary approach combines precise diagnostic testing, advanced treatments, and compassionate support services to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
This commitment to excellence has earned us recognition on the global stage. We’re proud to be a finalist in Malaysia’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme and to have secured a place on Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2024.
Don’t let breast cancer control your life any longer – contact us today to learn about our world-class treatment options and our philosophy of providing comforting, patient-centric care.
Book an appointment today and start your journey to recovery.
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FAQ
Is breast cancer curable in men?
Yes, breast cancer in men is curable if detected early and treated promptly. Treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
What age is male breast cancer most common?
Male breast cancer is most common in men aged 60 to 70, although it can occur at other ages.
What are the first signs of breast cancer in men?
The first signs of breast cancer in men may include a painless lump or thickening in the chest area, changes to the nipple (inversion, discharge, or redness), or changes in the skin over the breast (dimpling or scaling).
What is the survival rate of male breast cancer?
The survival rate for male breast cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. For early-stage cancers, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. Late-stage cancers have lower survival rates, around 20% for stage IV.
How painful is male breast cancer?
Male breast cancer is not always painful, especially in early stages. Pain or tenderness may develop as the cancer progresses or if the tumor presses on surrounding tissues.
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