Yes, men can get breast cancer here are the symptoms to watch for – Insider – INSIDER
Posted: December 12, 2020 at 7:56 pm
While breast cancer is usually considered a disease that only affects women, anyone with breast cells and tissue can be diagnosed with breast cancer, males included. Even so, male breast cancer is rare.
"This isn't a disease that's 'just for women.' Patients often don't realize this which can, unfortunately, lead to delays in diagnosis," says Abisola Olulade, MD, a family medicine physician at Sharp Rees-Stealy Downtown in San Diego, California. "In the United States, male breast cancer represents between 0.5% and 1.0% of all breast cancers diagnosed each year. This means that about one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man."
In this article we'll discuss the most common forms of male breast cancers, its symptoms, and potential risk factors.
Male breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. Common forms of male breast cancer include:
Unfortunately, doctors are still unsure of the exact causes of breast cancer, though genetics and increased levels of estrogen may be risk factors.
In particular, increased estrogen is associated with conditions like liver disease, obesity, and certain hormone therapies like anti-androgen therapy, says Monisha Bhanote, MD, a triple board-certified physician and cytopathology specialist in Jacksonville Beach, FL. where she runs her own private practice.
"Hereditary causes may include BRCA2 mutation carriers, PTEN mutation (Cowden syndrome), and CHEK2 mutation carriers," says Bhanote
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2) are genes that are related to breast cancer risk. While everyone has both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, some people inherit a gene mutation in one or both of these genes. This mutation increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
"Men with BRCA mutations are recommended to have annual screening," says Bhanote. "Examination for any masses, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling/puckering on a daily basis will
be helpful."
Additional factors that may increase a person's risk are medications such as antidepressants, marijuana, and radiation from cancer treatment.
Male breast cancer spreads in the same way that female breast cancer spreads, through the lymphatics and blood vessels. An estimated 520 men will die from breast cancer this year.
Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer can include:
While finding a lump on one or both of your breasts can be alarming, finding a lump doesn't necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. It could be gynecomastia or enlarged breast tissue.
Though gynecomastia has many causes, liver disease and drugs or medications that contain high doses of testosterone account for about 25% of gynecomastia cases, according to Harvard Men's Health Watch.
Gynecomastia is often benign and resolves on its own. That being said, it's still a good idea to see your doctor if you notice any lumps or changes, especially if you're experiencing pain or discomfort.
Because men are less likely to receive a mammogram, it's important to learn how to perform a male self-breast examination. As a patient, it's imperative to become familiar with your body so you can advocate for yourself and notice when changes occur. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to self-check your breasts at home:
You can also check your breasts while lying down. To do this, set a pillow underneath your right shoulder and bend your right arm over your head. Use the fingertips of your left hand to check all areas of your breast and armpit. Once you're finished, switch the pillow to your left shoulder and repeat this process.
If you're uncomfortable doing a self-breast examination, or you fear that you're not doing it correctly, ask your physician to perform a clinical breast exam for you. Depending on how the examination goes, your physician may order a mammogram, an ultrasound, or an MRI.
If you're diagnosed with male breast cancer, your treatment plan will depend on how far the cancer has spread. Practicing monthly self-breast exams, in addition to receiving a breast examination by your physician, could improve your chances of detecting breast abnormalities early. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.
Possible treatments for male breast cancer include:
Although researchers can't pinpoint the causes of breast cancer in men, they have found a few risk factors.
Risk factors that may lead to developing male breast cancer include:
"Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do to prevent male breast cancer," says Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS. "However, you can lower your risks by being active, and limiting your alcohol consumption."
In addition, avoiding hormonal supplements, such as sexual performance enhancement supplements, may help to prevent male breast cancer. According to a 2019 study, the use of hormonal male enhancement supplements can lead to the higher levels of androgens, which may cause the growth of tumors.
Though the likelihood of developing male breast cancer is low, it's important to pay attention to your body. If you notice any changes in your skin color, new rashes, lumps, or bumps, you should seek medical help right away.
"There isn't a great screening tool for men," Jones adds. "The best action is to know your body, live a healthy lifestyle and if you notice anything out of the norm, visit your doctor. Specifically for male breast cancer, any change involving the nipple may be a sign that there is an underlying cancer."
View post:
Yes, men can get breast cancer here are the symptoms to watch for - Insider - INSIDER
- After the Nobel, what next for Crispr gene-editing therapies? - The Guardian - February 25th, 2021
- Lucky winner! Rs 16 crore lottery gives new lease of life to 14-month-old Fatima - Zee Business - February 25th, 2021
- 14 Emerging Tech Trends for 2021and Dallas-Area Companies That Are Innovating for the Future Dallas Innovates - dallasinnovates.com - February 25th, 2021
- Gene Therapy - Cleveland Clinic - February 19th, 2021
- 14-month-old lottery winner with killer disease gets new life after expensive therapy in Bengaluru - India Today - February 17th, 2021
- 16 crore drug is the hope for SMA patients - The Hindu - February 14th, 2021
- The First Gene Based Project to be conducted in the Rio Grande Valley - Mega Doctor News - February 14th, 2021
- Spondyloarthritis: Types, symptoms, treatment, and more - Medical News Today - February 14th, 2021
- MSI-High and Colon Cancer: What It Means, Treatment Options, and More - Healthline - February 6th, 2021
- Targeted therapy for lung cancer: Side effects and more - Medical News Today - February 6th, 2021
- Baby can be saved from rare genetic disorder - but sister, 5, will die of it - Metro.co.uk - January 31st, 2021
- ALK Positive Lung Cancer: Life Expectancy, Survival, and More - Healthline - January 31st, 2021
- Dr. William Kelley inducted into IAOTPs Hall of Fame - PRUnderground - January 31st, 2021
- Last Call with Jenna Balestrini, the WPI grad treating cancer with cell therapy - Worcester Mag - January 14th, 2021
- Province gives family facing $2.8M drug bill a glimmer of hope - CBC.ca - January 14th, 2021
- New Combination Therapy Tested By Children's May Offer Hope For Leukemia Patients - WVXU - December 22nd, 2020
- This 6-year-old Iowa boy is losing his vision and hearing. But his family holds on to hope. - The Gazette - December 22nd, 2020
- What Is Gene Therapy? How Does It Work? | FDA - December 17th, 2020
- What is gene therapy? - The Star Online - December 17th, 2020
- What It's Like Rising A Little Boy With Advanced Breast Cancer - Oprah Mag - December 17th, 2020
- EAPM Advancing gene therapy with Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products - EU Reporter - December 16th, 2020
- San Diego's Locanabio raises $100 million for treatments aimed at degenerative diseases - The San Diego Union-Tribune - December 16th, 2020
- Italy needs new restrictions to avoid third, devastating COVID-19 wave - PM to paper - EU Reporter - December 16th, 2020
- Mumbai: Baby with genetic disorder needs Rs 16 crore therapy to live - Mid-day - December 12th, 2020
- Gene Therapy Liberates Hemophilia B Patients from Requiring Regular Infusions of Clotting Factor - MedicalResearch.com - December 12th, 2020
- Vaccination in the Era of Covid - Touro College News - December 7th, 2020
- Genentech Announces New Data Reinforcing the Long-Term Benefit of Venclexta-Based Combination for People With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic... - December 7th, 2020
- Medicare and cystic fibrosis: Coverage, options, treatments, and costs - Medical News Today - December 7th, 2020
- The FDA has approved the first drug to treat the rapid-aging disease progeria - Science News - November 26th, 2020
- 'This is why I'm here': A Detroit Lions VP tries to save her daughter from rare disease - ESPN - November 24th, 2020
- Encouraging Clinical Data for Controlled IL-12 for the Treatment of Glioblastoma and DIPG - OncoZine - November 24th, 2020
- SwanBio Therapeutics Expands Board of Directors with Appointments of Proven Industry Leaders - Business Wire - November 24th, 2020
- SwanBio Therapeutics Expands Board of Directors with Appointments of Proven Industry Leaders - BioSpace - November 23rd, 2020
- Rare Mutation in the PCSK9 Gene Confers Long Healthy Life - MedicalResearch.com - November 23rd, 2020
- Living through the second wave - Pakistan Today - November 23rd, 2020
- How two blind brothers became Two Blind Brothers for a cause - The Columbian - November 10th, 2020
- How two blind brothers created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience to raise money for a cure - WXII The Triad - November 10th, 2020
- The ethical way to alter organisms - The Boston Globe - November 10th, 2020
- Teladoc Is A Strong Buy: A Radical Healthcare Change Will Come - Seeking Alpha - November 10th, 2020
- Medical Milestone In Boston: 13-Year-Old Gets New Gene ... - November 5th, 2020
- How immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer care - Genetic Literacy Project - October 29th, 2020
- The good news about breast cancer - The Gazette - October 29th, 2020
- Harris County parents win insurance appeal for 8-year-olds MD treatment - WRBL - October 29th, 2020
- Biohack the ageing process by taking care of this little protein in your body - Lifestyle Asia - October 22nd, 2020
- 'I have faith and I prayed a lot' - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com - October 22nd, 2020
- Piqray Improves Overall Survival for Advanced-Stage Hormone-Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer With PIK3CA Mutation - Breastcancer.org - October 20th, 2020
- Beating Cancer: Prevention must be 'cornerstone' of EU's new approach - The Parliament Magazine - October 20th, 2020
- Watch: New 5-minute injection a game-changer in breast cancer therapy in UAE - Gulf News - October 20th, 2020
- Homer Glen Mom and Nurse Breast Cancer-Free after Radiation Therapy Clinical Trial at UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross -... - October 20th, 2020
- Teenager among first to receive gene therapy treatment for rare condition - KRDO - October 8th, 2020
- Proposition 14: With Just Handful of Cures, California Stem Cell Agency's Fate Is In Hands of Voters - KQED - October 8th, 2020
- Teenager among first to receive gene therapy treatment for rare condition - NewsChannel 3-12 - KEYT - October 7th, 2020
- Greenbrier County teen to be among first in nation to receive gene therapy for Hurler's Syndrome - WVVA TV - October 7th, 2020
- Regenxbio RGX-121 Clinical Program, And Other News: The Good, Bad And Ugly Of Biopharma - Seeking Alpha - October 7th, 2020
- Women In Longevity Medicine And The Rise Of The Longevity Physician - Forbes - October 7th, 2020
- Timothy Ray Brown, First Patient to Be Cured of HIV, Dies of Leukemia - BioSpace - October 7th, 2020
- Different Types of Childhood Cancer | INTEGRIS - Integris - October 4th, 2020
- Gene therapy company Taysha completes sprint from first funding to IPO - BioPharma Dive - September 26th, 2020
- Focused on the future: Innovative college programs in N.J. pave way for the real world - Jersey's Best - September 24th, 2020
- Burosumab Is a 'Game Changer,' Effective in All Subgroups of XLH - Medscape - September 22nd, 2020
- 10 Forgotten Spiderman Sidekicks They Need To Bring Back | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources - September 22nd, 2020
- Genentech Presents New Data From Multiple Phase III Studies of Tecentriq in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer at ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 - Business... - September 21st, 2020
- BCS Announces Partnership With 2nd.MD to Improve Member Healthcare Cost, Quality, and Outcomes - PRNewswire - September 19th, 2020
- Novus Therapeutics Announces Acquisition of Anelixis Therapeutics - Business Wire - September 19th, 2020
- Pace toddler wasn't supposed to survive. Thanks to wonder drug, parents say he's thriving - Pensacola News Journal - September 8th, 2020
- CRISPR can help combat the troubling immune response against gene therapy - The Conversation US - September 6th, 2020
- How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed? Everything You Need To Know - NDTV Doctor - September 6th, 2020
- Genentech Announces FDA Approval of Gavreto (pralsetinib) for the Treatment of Adults With Metastatic RET Fusion-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer |... - September 6th, 2020
- Gilmore Health: A Q&A Session on Genetic Diseases With Dr. Sony Sherpa - Gilmore Health News - September 6th, 2020
- Our teenage son is turning to stone and is becoming entombed in his own body - The Sun - August 28th, 2020
- Gene Therapy: IT Meets Medicine, But Who Is In Charge? - Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence - August 24th, 2020
- Edited Transcript of ISEE.OQ earnings conference call or presentation 5-Aug-20 12:00pm GMT - Yahoo Finance - August 6th, 2020
- Opinion: With any COVID-19 vaccine, humanity will face its biggest moral test - The Province - August 4th, 2020
- These Companies Are Seeking a Cure for Sickle Cell. And Its Just the Beginning for Some Gene Therapy Stocks. - Barron's - July 31st, 2020
- FDA Approves Combination Therapy for Treating Advanced Melanoma - Pharmacy Times - July 31st, 2020
- How Can Technology Help Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic? - IoT For All - July 31st, 2020
- Thomas Jefferson University doctor to be honored at W&J commencement - Observer-Reporter - July 30th, 2020
- First Edition: July 27, 2020 - Kaiser Health News - July 30th, 2020
- These are the most valued tech startups in France in 2020 - Silicon Canals - July 7th, 2020
- What's a life worth in dollars and cents? Should that influence who gets treated for expensive disease treatments? - Genetic Literacy Project - July 1st, 2020