Breast Cancer in Men

1. Breast Cancer in Men People consider breast cancer a disease that occurs in females only. It’s because women have breasts and men don’t. Though the cause of breast cancer is still not clear, it can develop in both men and women. Only 1% of total breast cancer cases are diagnosed in men. This is possible due to the presence of breast tissue in males. Men have breast tissues similar to that of a girl before puberty. Once a girl becomes an adolescent, hormones start regulating the development of breasts. This significantly increases the chance of developing cancer of the breast. Men too, with a lesser chance, can develop breast cancer. Since breast tissues are fewer in men as compared to women, the diagnosis of cancer cells becomes difficult in the early stages. Moreover, a lack of knowledge about breast self- examination in males contributes to delayed detection. Male Breast Tissue Until puberty, both girls and boys have breast tissue under the nipple. When a girl reaches puberty, the hormones start regulating necessary changes including the development of the breasts whereas boys stay with a small amount of breast tissue for life. As you may know, cancer cells can develop in any part of your body. When cancer cells grow uncontrollably in male breast tissue, they can develop a lump and other physical changes near the nipple. Risk Factors

2. Risk factors of breast cancer are alone not responsible for the development of the tumor. They increase your chance of developing cancer cells in the breast tissue. Here are some factors that can be considered:  Family history of breast cancer  Chest exposure to radiation therapy  Consumption of hormone treatment drugs for breast enlargement  Estrogen consumption  Medical history of liver scarring or mumps orchitis Some patients develop cancer cells in the breast tissue as a result of their treatment with hormone or radiation therapy for other conditions. For example, breast cancer is quite common in Asian countries, and most cases in men occur due to exposure to other therapies. Also, available cancer medicines in Singapore may differ from other places which makes it difficult to blame one particular regimen for causing cancer. Early Symptoms Breast cancer in men may not show visible changes in the primary stage. In some individuals, no signs are seen until the second or advanced stage whereas others can experience some. The following are possible early signs to watch for:  A lump or swollen portion on the breast or near the nipple  Dimpling of the skin  Puckering and redness of the skin  Nipple turning inwards  Discharge from the nipple  Change in the breast shape  Swollen lymph nodes under the arm  Nipple pain  Breast pain  Change in the nipple’s color See your doctor: If you experience any symptoms of breast cancer or think you are at risk of developing it, consult your doctor and go for diagnostic procedures. Source: http://writeus.me/breast-cancer-in-men/