Breast Cancer in Men

Although breast cancer awareness is usually centered on women (evident in the now trademarked pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness). Men are not immune to this disease.

According to recent findings by the American Cancer Society 1,450 men are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in one year. Over 450 men will die from this disease in that year.

Gynecomastia - this term defines men with unusually large breasts. Several factors are determined to add to breast heaviness in men. These factors include:

• Steroid abuse
• Obesity (morbidly obese)
• Tumors
• Swellings
• Genetic factors: Klinefelter Syndrome, Gilbert’s Syndrome
• Liver disease
• Chemical castration

If you are diagnosed with gynecomastia, you need to be aware of any changes that take place within your breast tissue. Report these changes immediately to your doctor. Most men afflicted with gynecomastia will experience some non-cancerous tissue growth.

Breast Cancer Symtoms:

• Swelling
• Lumps
• Puckering of the nipples

Changes in the nipples such as:

• Redness
• Scabbiness
• Discharge
• Bleeding

Many men believe they are impervious to breast cancer and only women get breast cancer. But 1% of all men in America now have breast cancer in various stages of growth.

According to the National Cancer Institution, several types of breast cancer found in women can also be found in men.

The most common form of breast cancer in men is infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Nicknamed DC this cancer grows past the ducts located in the breast. It is an early stage of breast cancer occurring in men who are high risk for developing breast cancer. These risks are:

• Age- 60-70 years of age.
• Exposure to high levels of radiation
• Family history of breast cancer
• Some form of liver disease.
• Estrogen treatments.
• Carrier of the mutated gene BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2)
• Klinefelter Syndrome.

If any changes are noted in your breast tissue, consult your physician immediately. He will line up one or more tests for you:

Breast Cancer Treaments

• Mammogram
• Needle biopsy
• Breast biopsy

After the results come back of the biopsy there are several options available depending on how far advanced the cancer is:

• Surgical removal of the breast and affected lymph nodes
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone Therapy

Paying special attention to your diet may prove beneficial and help with low-end stage breast cancer:

• Cutting out meats cooked at high heat
• Substituting fish for red meats
• adding fresh vegetables

There exist today, no simple answers as to what causes breast cancer in either men or women. It has been studied and reported that 60% of all reported cases of breast cancer appear from “unknown causes.”

Cancer is a disorder of cellular growth gone amuck. Men who are morbidly obese can start a carefully structured diet and help reduce the risk of breast cancer. There are studies out showing that certain herbs that contain phytoestrogens can be taken to impede the growth of the stronger estrogen manufactured in the body. Herbs such as black cohosh, chasteberry, or red clover lead the group.

When breast cancer is caught early on, the cure rate is high, about 95%. Early stages of breast cancer generally carry the smaller tumors that are easily removed since they have not yet spread throughout the body.

If the cancer is advanced, treatment time can vary anywhere from three to six months or sometimes longer. Support group participation is strongly encouraged.