Breast Cancer In Men: What To Watch For

Most people think breast cancer only affects women. But men have a small amount of breast tissue too, which means they can get breast cancer even though it’s rare. Because many men don’t expect it, they may miss the early warning signs. The delay in time can make treatment harder. 

In this blog, let’s break down what you need to know.

Can Men Get Breast Cancer?

Yes! Men can. They have a very small amount of breast tissue located behind their nipples and in the chest area as compared to women. When the cells in the tissue start to grow abnormally, it leads to breast cancer. Although this occurs less often in men (affecting less than 1% of cases), it still can’t be neglected and needs proper care.

These cases usually occur in men over the age of 60, but younger men can also be at risk. The chances of getting diagnosed may rise due to family history, certain genes, hormone changes and more importantly, lifestyle habits.

Symptoms You Should Not Dismiss

In the early days, symptoms may be mild and easily ignored. Awareness is essential and this is what to look for:

• A lump or swelling in the breast (more often than not painless but clearly noticeable)
• alterations in the skin on the breast, including dimpling, redness, or puckering
• a nipple that is inverted
• nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
• pain or tenderness in one spot
• The size or shape of the breast changed

These symptoms can appear slowly or all at once. Either way, you would be remiss just shrug it off and carry on.

What Increases the Risk?

Some things can raise your chances of getting breast cancer:

• Family history: If someone in your family had breast cancer, your risk is higher
• BRCA gene mutation: A gene change passed down through family can raise your risk
• Hormone changes: High levels of estrogen can affect cell growth
• Radiation exposure: Past radiation to the chest (like for another illness) may be a factor
• Klinefelter syndrome: A rare condition that affects hormone balance in men

Other factors include being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, and liver problems, all of which can raise estrogen levels.

How It’s Diagnosed and Treated

You and your doctor may need:

• A complete physical breast exam
• Testing, including X-ray or ultrasound
• A biopsy (a small piece of the lump taken for testing)

Treatment is based on how far the cancer is. Options may include:

• Surgery to remove the lump or full breast tissue
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy (if the cancer responds to hormones)

Just like in women, finding it early can lead to better results. The sooner it’s caught, the easier it is to treat.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice any of the signs above, even if they seem small, see a doctor. Don’t brush it off just because it’s rare in men. The earlier you do something, the better chance you have of getting better.

At Sugam Hospital,  we offer expert cancer treatment in Chennai. We’re here to help you take your health seriously. If you have questions or notice something that is different, our doctors are ready to get you back on track with answers that make sense and a level of care that you can depend on.

Don’t ignore the signs. Early intervention saves lives – maybe even yours.