Even men can develop breast cancer: How it's diagnosed and treated

Breast cancer, though rare in men, poses real risks linked to genetic and environmental factors. Early detection through awareness of symptoms can help with treatment outcomes in men.

In Short

• Breast cancer affects men and women
• Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases
• It is linked to hormonal imbalances, genetic mutations and environmental factors

Breast cancer is often perceived as a disease that affects only women, but men can also be at risk, though it is rare.

According to Dr CN Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant, Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, "Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, but its occurrence is a reality that cannot be overlooked."

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Breast cancer in men is primarily linked to hormonal imbalances, genetic mutations, and environmental factors.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase the risk of breast cancer in men, similar to their impact on women.

Dr Patil pointed out that "family history plays a critical role in determining risk, especially for men with close female relatives who have had breast cancer."

Besides this, conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, which causes an extra X chromosome in men, also heighten the risk.

Exposure to radiation and certain medical treatments can further increase susceptibility. Men between the ages of 60 and 70 are at the highest risk, as ageing naturally elevates factors such as hormonal changes and genetic vulnerabilities.

According to Dr Nanda Rajaneesh, Breast & Gynecological Cancer Oncologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Koramangala, male breast cancer is typically diagnosed in men age 60 and above. But other conditions increases the risk of this condition among men.

"If an individual is taking estrogen-related medicines, such as those used for hormone therapy for prostate cancer, they are higher risk of contracting breast cancer. Other conditions that increase the risk among men include liver disease, obesity and testicle disease," said Dr Rajaneesh.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

The symptoms of breast cancer in men are often subtle, which makes awareness crucial. The most common symptom is the presence of a lump or mass in the breast, which is typically hard and painless.

Men may notice dimpling, redness, or puckering of the breast skin. Nipple changes like retraction or discharge are also warning signs.

Localised inflammation of breast tissue can be a symptom, even if no lump is detected. While breast cancer is usually painless, some men report persistent discomfort.

Swelling in the axillary or chest regions could indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Early recognition of these symptoms is critical and can significantly impact treatment outcomes.

"Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, which is why men need to be vigilant about any unusual changes in their breast tissue," says Dr Patil.

The diagnostic process for breast cancer in men is similar to that in women. A clinical breast examination is followed by imaging tests such as mammograms or ultrasounds.

Although mammograms are less common for men, they are still useful in identifying abnormalities. An ultrasound helps determine if a lump is a solid mass or a cyst, while an MRI may be necessary in certain cases.

A biopsy confirms the diagnosis by testing a sample of the tissue for cancerous cells.

TREATMENT

Treatment of cancer in men depends on the size of the tumour and how far it has spread. It usually starts off with surgery but other methods include chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy, suggested Dr Rajaneesh.

Surgery: Mastectomy (removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (removal of the tumour) are common procedures. Post-surgery, radiation therapy is often administered to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to target and destroy cancer cells and is often given before or after surgery.

Hormone Therapy: For hormone-receptor-positive cancers, hormone therapy is used to block the hormones that fuel tumour growth.

Targeted Therapy: This treatment focusses on specific features of cancer cells, offering a more precise approach to treatment.

Male breast cancer is rare, but when diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 84%.

"Men need to know that breast cancer is not just a women's disease. By recognising the signs early, they can improve their chances of recovery," added Dr Patil.