The Truth About Breast Cancer in Men

Raising Awareness: The Truth About Breast Cancer in Men

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise support, research, and awareness for this disease and the thousands impacted by it annually. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year. While it’s rare, men can also develop breast cancer. Nearly 3,000 men are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year. Although a man’s risk of breast cancer is about one in 1,000 (much lower than a woman’s risk), many men are diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC sheds light on the truth about breast cancer in men to help save lives.

Who’s Most at Risk of Developing Male Breast Cancer?

Don’t let that pink breast cancer awareness ribbon fool you – it’s not just a woman’s disease. Men also have breast tissue (though a smaller amount than women) and should be aware of their family’s history of breast cancer. Knowledge is power. Being aware of your risks ensures you have critical conversations with your doctor. While the cause cannot always be determined, male breast cancer has been linked to exposure to chest radiation, obesity, liver disease, testicle disease, and certain genetic syndromes.

Men over 60 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than younger men. Men who take estrogen-containing medications, such as those commonly used in hormone therapy for prostate cancer, may also be at a higher risk. Transgender men and individuals assigned female at birth may also be at risk and should consider breast cancer screenings to keep up-to-date with their health.

What Are the Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer?

Many men ignore the first symptoms of male breast cancer due to a lack of awareness. These symptoms may vary by individual but may include any of the following:

• Firm breast tissue lumps (behind the nipples or in your armpits)
• Red, flaky, or scaly skin near your nipples
• Chest or underarm tenderness
• Dimpled or puckered skin on the chest
• Nipple discharge (can be clear or bloody)
• An inverted nipple

How Is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?

Due to the lack of awareness and how rare it is, diagnosing and treating male breast cancer presents unique challenges. The longer you delay treatment, the more likely the cancer will spread throughout the body. Sadly, breast cancer survival rates have not improved as significantly for men as for women in recent years. The key to survival is an early diagnosis and treatment. Male breast cancer may be diagnosed through a breast exam, biopsy, or mammogram (low-dose X-ray).

Depending on the tumor size and the extent of its spread, treatment may include breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. There is a higher survival rate (95%) if the breast cancer hasn’t spread beyond its original tumor site. If you notice any changes in your chest or nipple area, contact your doctor immediately. If you have a family history of breast cancer, consider regular breast cancer screenings for early diagnosis and prevention. They help save lives!

Focused on Increasing Public Awareness for 50+ Years

As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 50+ years of experience, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is committed to increasing public awareness about various healthcare-related topics, including male breast cancer. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insights about being proactive about your family’s healthcare.