Breast Cancer in Men
Men between the ages of 50 and 75 are more likely to get breast cancer.
Men's breasts are very similar to women's breasts. However, men's breasts do not have the same hormonal stimulation as women's breasts do, so they do not grow or produce milk. Men can, however, get the same types of breast cancer that women can. In fact, male breast cancer makes up close to 1 percent of all breast cancer cases. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1,910 men will get breast cancer in the United States in 2009.
Men between the ages of 50 and 75 are most likely to get breast cancer. The average age of men at diagnosis is 67. Breast cancer risk is increased if other family members have had breast cancer. About one out of five men with breast cancer have close male or female relatives with the disease. Men are more likely to get breast cancer if their testes are inside their bodies or are undescended. If they went through puberty late, are infertile or obese they also have a higher chance of getting breast cancer, although it is still rare. Men who have had sex-change operations and take estrogen are also at a higher risk for breast cancer.
A man with breast cancer may find a painless lump in his breast. He may also see changes in his nipple or have nipple discharge. As in female breast cancer, male breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones and lungs.
Treatment for male breast cancer is almost the same as treatment for female breast cancer. Such treatment depends on what kind of breast cancer the man has and what stage it is in.
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