Breast cancer awareness is also for men.
Every year in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the world turns pink to increase awareness of the disease, stress early detection, give hope to female patients and spread the word that mammograms are the most valuable tool in keeping the mortality rate down for women. Thankfully, this all-too-important campaign is quite effective.
With this in mind, however, men should not be overlooked because breast cancer happens in them, too.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is found in a man. Although it can occur at any age, studies have shown it happens most frequently in older men. The data also reveals that the risk is 52% higher in Black men than for white men, with Black men 72% more likely to die from the disease, even with similar treatment.
All people, whether male or female, are born with breast cells and tissue. And while they may be similar, the chances of men developing breast cancer are much lower. But, just like Black women, Black men face similar disparities, and the reasons for the much higher risk of them getting the disease, as compared to their white male counterparts, are mostly unknown. Nevertheless, doctors caution it is important for Black males to be aware of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer because while there are many factors they have no control over, there are several they can change.
Ahead, tips on male breast cancer from researchers, genetic counselors and doctors, in the hope of catching more diagnoses early, when they are the most treatable.
October is breast cancer awareness month. As a survivor myself of male breast cancer, I want to offer those who live with cancer a message of hope, strength, and resilience…because each of these traits exist within you. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/bdbCyxO5ty
— Mathew Knowles (@MathewKnowles) October 3, 2023
What are the common symptoms of breast cancer in men?
Despite the fact that males do not develop milk-producing breasts, many of the symptoms of breast cancer for them are the same as women:
- A lump or swelling in the breast
- Redness or flaky skin on the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Nipple discharge
- Pulling-in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
What are the factors Which increase the risk of men developing breast cancer?
The primary factor is family history. There is a misconception that breast cancer can only be inherited on the mother’s side, but the experts say that is absolutely not true. We all inherit half of our genes from females and the other half from males, including cancer-related genes.
Other risk factors include age (most male breast cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 60), obesity and certain medical conditions such as liver and testicular disease at any age.
When should men consider genetic testing?
Regardless of age, any male with a strong family history of breast cancer — including a personal history of metastatic, high or very high-risk prostate cancer — should consider undergoing genetic testing.
Males should also consider genetic testing if they have a family history of early onset female breast cancer, where there are multiple family members with or have had female breast cancer.
Remember Divas, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you are a male or a female, breast cancer is on the rise, especially in young Black women! pic.twitter.com/5W0NRD2nAO
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) October 2, 2023
Why do Black men fail to seek genetic testing?
Black men aren’t typically referred for genetic testing because some healthcare providers hold outdated perspectives that a breast cancer family history only matters for women. However, just because the risk of cancer is higher for women who are genetically predisposed to these genes, the risk still exists for men.
There is also a stigma surrounding genetic testing for men. They often associate their own bodies with a masculine identity, so a breast cancer diagnosis, along with visible changes to the chest area, may add to feelings of emasculation and psychological trauma.
As a result, even when providers refer high-risk male patients, many never schedule appointments. And if they do consult with health care providers and genetic counselors, some opt to forgo testing.
Though rare, men can get #breastcancer, typically between 60 and 70 years old. Health professionals, read @TheNCI’s guide to male breast cancer treatment for the risk factors, signs and other details: https://t.co/oZ0kFxG1sv pic.twitter.com/gWZJeLaI9C
— Open Arms Healthcare Center (@openarms_ms) October 10, 2023
What happens when a male receives a positive test result for the genes that affect their risk of developing breast cancer?
Those males who receive positive tests for the gene mutation typically have a risk of developing breast cancer that ranges from 0.1% to approximately 7%, so when compared to a considerably higher risk for women (can range from 13% in the general population to as much as 70% for those who test positive for the gene mutation), it’s easy to see why many men dismiss it.
Even so, men who receive a positive test for these abnormalities also face an increased risk of developing pancreatic and prostate cancer. In addition, they could also pass them on to their children, so advanced knowledge of these factors is beneficial.
What are the best breast cancer screenings for men who test positive for the genes that increase the risk of breast cancer?
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends annual clinical breast exams, starting at age 35. They also suggest evaluations for gynecomastia, which often means that a man has enough breast tissue to make standard mammograms viable.
General breast self-awareness is also key — being familiar with breasts and looking out for signs such as lumps and nipple discharge are advantageous.
Join us in the fight against breast cancer! 🌸 ALX is hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Screening event at our East Legon hub from 11am on 14th October, 2023. Male or female, your health matters, and early detection saves lives. Together, we can make a difference. 💪💕 pic.twitter.com/7FYSJnnSlC
— ALX_Ghana (@AlxGhana) October 10, 2023
How can men lower their risk of getting breast cancer?
Doctors say maintaining a healthy diet and weight, along with regular exercise, is linked with a lower breast cancer risk. They also note that a better quality of life helps to strengthen the immune system, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer, among a number of other diseases.
