Tanya Dutt

Why Breast Cancer Isn’t Just for Women

When we hear of breast <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span>, the first thing that comes to mind is women. However, men are not exempt from this disease. Although it is rare, <span>male breast <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> is on the rise, and more cases are being reported every year. Awareness of this overlooked condition can help break the misconceptions, promote early detection, and save lives.

Male breast cancer is less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the United States, with an estimated 2,800 cases in 2024. According to surgical oncologist Dr. Suneel Kaushik K, "The rarity of male breast cancer often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, making it crucial to foster awareness and education.

The lifetime risk of breast cancer in men is less than 1 in 1,000 at present. However, the incidence of this disease is on the increase, and most significantly so with increasing age in men. The average age at diagnosis for men is five years greater than that for women, and most men are diagnosed around the age of 67. 

<h2>What Are the Risk Factors in Men</h2>

Several risk factors increase a man's likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include:

<strong>Advances in Age:</strong> The risk rises with age. 

<strong>Genetics:</strong> Alterations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 are some of the most known alterations.

<strong>Family History: </strong>In case one's family has a history of breast cancer, risk will be high.

<strong>Lifestyle and Hormonal Factors: </strong>Excess weight, drinking, liver diseases, hormonal imbalance; including medical conditions like 

gynecomastia and Klinefelter syndrome, also increase risk.

<strong>Radiation Exposure:</strong> Exposure to thoracic radiation treatment also increases risk.

According to Dr. Kaushik, "Knowing these risk factors is essential in identifying high-risk individuals who may benefit from early screening and monitoring."

The symptoms of breast cancer in men are the same as those in women, but men often dismiss them because they are not aware of them. 

<ul><li>A lump in the breast, usually painless </li><li>Nipple discharge</li><li>Dimpling, redness, or inversion of the skin or nipple</li></ul>

A man experiencing any of these should be clinically evaluated promptly to rule out cancer or detect it early.

Mammography is not suggested in routine clinical practice in men due to the low prevalence of the disease. However, men considered to be at high risk-including family history and genetic tendency-should be encouraged for periodic mammography.

Dr. Kaushik emphasizes, "Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. For high-risk men, regular screenings and awareness of symptoms can make a life-saving difference."

<h2>How is Male Breast Cancer Different from Female</h2>

Male and female breast cancers have some similarities but also have many differences: 

Most male breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas, with lobular carcinomas being extremely rare due to the absence of terminal lobules in the male breast.

A meta-analysis of male breast cancer reported that 99% of the tumors were estrogen receptor-positive, 82% progesterone receptor-positive, and 97% androgen receptor-positive. This all has implications for how a patient will be treated and what the prognosis will be, so these cases really require specialized care. Societal views of breast cancer as a "woman's disease" often lead to late presentation in males. 

"Awareness is the first step to breaking barriers and encouraging men to take their symptoms seriously," Dr. Kaushik opines. "Healthcare providers play a key role in educating patients about risk factors and promoting vigilance." 

<h2>Promotion of Awareness and Vigilance</h2>

Healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and communities should collaborate to raise awareness about male breast cancer. The steps toward this end are: 

1. Promote symptoms and risk factors awareness amongst the general population.

2. Promote genetic testing and routine screening for those with a family history or genetic predisposition. 

3. Normalize seeking care by openly discussing male breast cancer.

Breast cancer is not a disease that only afflicts women. Men, though less often, may suffer from this potentially fatal disease. Awareness, education, and aggressive healthcare can result in earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.

As Dr. Kaushik aptly states, “Addressing misconceptions about male breast cancer is not just about saving lives—it’s about ensuring equality in care and awareness for all.” 

Men, just like women, should remain vigilant about their health, seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise, and advocate for greater awareness of this under-recognized condition.

<i>Dr Suneel Kaushik K is a </i><i>Surgical Oncologist at American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Hyderabad, India</i>

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When we hear of breast cancer, the first thing that comes to mind is women. However, men are not exempt from this disease. Although it is rare, male breast cancer is on the rise, and more cases are being reported every year. Awareness of this overlooked condition can help break the misconceptions, promote early detection, and save lives.Male breast cancer is less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the United States, with an estimated 2,800 cases in 2024. According to surgical oncologist Dr. Suneel Kaushik K, "The rarity of male breast cancer often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, making it crucial to foster awareness and education.The lifetime risk of breast cancer in men is less than 1 in 1,000 at present. However, the incidence of this disease is on the increase, and most significantly so with increasing age in men. The average age at diagnosis for men is five years greater than that for women, and most men are diagnosed around the age of 67. What Are the Risk Factors in MenSeveral risk factors increase a man's likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include:Advances in Age: The risk rises with age.  Genetics: Alterations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 are some of the most known alterations. Family History: In case one's family has a history of breast cancer, risk will be high. Lifestyle and Hormonal Factors: Excess weight, drinking, liver diseases, hormonal imbalance; including medical conditions like gynecomastia and Klinefelter syndrome, also increase risk. Radiation Exposure: Exposure to thoracic radiation treatment also increases risk.According to Dr. Kaushik, "Knowing these risk factors is essential in identifying high-risk individuals who may benefit from early screening and monitoring."Symptoms to Watch ForThe symptoms of breast cancer in men are the same as those in women, but men often dismiss them because they are not aware of them. Common signs include: A lump in the breast, usually painless Nipple dischargeDimpling, redness, or inversion of the skin or nippleA man experiencing any of these should be clinically evaluated promptly to rule out cancer or detect it early.Why Early Detection CountsMammography is not suggested in routine clinical practice in men due to the low prevalence of the disease. However, men considered to be at high risk-including family history and genetic tendency-should be encouraged for periodic mammography.Dr. Kaushik emphasizes, "Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. For high-risk men, regular screenings and awareness of symptoms can make a life-saving difference."How is Male Breast Cancer Different from FemaleMale and female breast cancers have some similarities but also have many differences: Most male breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas, with lobular carcinomas being extremely rare due to the absence of terminal lobules in the male breast.A meta-analysis of male breast cancer reported that 99% of the tumors were estrogen receptor-positive, 82% progesterone receptor-positive, and 97% androgen receptor-positive. This all has implications for how a patient will be treated and what the prognosis will be, so these cases really require specialized care. Societal views of breast cancer as a "woman's disease" often lead to late presentation in males. "Awareness is the first step to breaking barriers and encouraging men to take their symptoms seriously," Dr. Kaushik opines. "Healthcare providers play a key role in educating patients about risk factors and promoting vigilance." Promotion of Awareness and VigilanceHealthcare providers, advocacy groups, and communities should collaborate to raise awareness about male breast cancer. The steps toward this end are: 1. Promote symptoms and risk factors awareness amongst the general population.2. Promote genetic testing and routine screening for those with a family history or genetic predisposition. 3. Normalize seeking care by openly discussing male breast cancer.Breast cancer is not a disease that only afflicts women. Men, though less often, may suffer from this potentially fatal disease. Awareness, education, and aggressive healthcare can result in earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.As Dr. Kaushik aptly states, “Addressing misconceptions about male breast cancer is not just about saving lives—it’s about ensuring equality in care and awareness for all.” Men, just like women, should remain vigilant about their health, seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise, and advocate for greater awareness of this under-recognized condition.Dr Suneel Kaushik K is a Surgical Oncologist at American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Hyderabad, India