What Percentage of Men Develop Breast Cancer?

What Percentage of Men Develop Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is commonly associated with women, but men can also develop this disease. Breast cancer in men is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. However, it is still essential to know the percentage of men who develop breast cancer and other related facts about this disease. In this article, we will discuss the percentage of men who develop breast cancer and other essential things you should know about it.

What is breast cancer in men, and how common is it?

Breast cancer in men is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue of men. This cancer develops when breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably. The exact cause of breast cancer in men is unknown, but there are several risk factors associated with it.
Breast cancer in men is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. In the United States, the estimated number of new cases of invasive breast cancer in men in 2021 is 2,870, and deaths from breast cancer in men will be approximately 490. Breast cancer in men occurs mostly in older men, and the risk increases with age.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer in men?

Several factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer in men, including:

Aging

Breast cancer risk increases with age. Most cases of male breast cancer occur in men over age 60.

Family history of breast cancer

If you have a close relative who has had breast cancer, you may have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Exposure to estrogen

Exposure to estrogen is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in men. This may be due to taking estrogen-related medications, being overweight or obese, or having a medical condition like Klinefelter syndrome.

Radiation exposure

Exposure to high levels of radiation, such as those used in cancer treatment, increases the risk of male breast cancer.

Liver disease

Men with liver disease, such as cirrhosis, have a higher risk of developing male breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men?

Breast cancer symptoms in men are similar to those in women. These include:

A lump or swelling in the breast or chest area

This is the most common symptom of breast cancer in men. The lump may be painless, hard, or tender.

Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge, often bloody, is another symptom of breast cancer in men.

Nipple retraction or inversion

Changes in the nipple, such as retraction or inversion, may also be a sign of breast cancer in men.

Skin dimpling or puckering

Changes in the skin texture, such as dimpling or puckering, are also symptoms of breast cancer in men.

How is breast cancer in men diagnosed?

If you notice any breast changes or symptoms, it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider immediately. They will perform a physical exam and recommend further tests, such as:

Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray that can detect breast cancer. Men may require a specially designed mammogram to diagnose breast cancer.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. Ultrasounds can help detect cysts, tumors, and other breast abnormalities.

MRI

An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue. MRIs can help detect breast cancer in men who have a higher risk of the disease.

How is breast cancer in men treated?

Breast cancer treatment in men is similar to that in women and may include:

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer in men. This may involve removing the entire breast (mastectomy) or removing only the cancerous tissue (lumpectomy).

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy uses drugs to block the production of hormones that may promote the growth of cancer cells. This therapy is often used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive.

What is the prognosis for breast cancer in men?

The prognosis for breast cancer in men depends on several factors, such as the stage and size of the cancer and how quickly treatment is started. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for men with breast cancer is around 85%. This means that about 85% of men with breast cancer will survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

Preventing breast cancer in men

While it is not always possible to prevent breast cancer, there are several things men can do to reduce their risk:

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of male breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk.

Limit alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer in men. Limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce this risk.

Get regular physical activity

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of many types of cancer, including male breast cancer.

Undergo genetic testing

If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may consider undergoing genetic testing to determine if you carry a gene mutation that increases your risk of the disease.

FAQs

  • What is the percentage of men who develop breast cancer?

Breast cancer in men accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

  • What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men?

The symptoms of breast cancer in men include a lump or swelling in the breast or chest area, nipple discharge or retraction, and changes in the skin texture.

  • What are the risk factors for breast cancer in men?

The risk factors for breast cancer in men include aging, family history of breast cancer, exposure to estrogen, radiation exposure, and liver disease.

  • How is breast cancer in men treated?

Breast cancer treatment in men is similar to that in women and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

  • What is the prognosis for breast cancer in men?

The prognosis for breast cancer in men depends on several factors, but the 5-year survival rate for men with breast cancer is around 85%.

Conclusion

Breast cancer in men is a rare disease, but it is essential to know the percentage of men who develop breast cancer and other related facts. Awareness of the potential risk factors and symptoms of the disease can help with early detection and prompt treatment. Men should also take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and getting regular physical activity.

References

  • American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast cancer in men. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men.html
  • Mayo Clinic. (2021). Male breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374740
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Breast cancer in men. Retrieved from https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/male-breast-cancer/

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