Breast Cancer in Men: What Peoria Seniors Should Know
It may be rare, but breast cancer in men can happen, and it's usually not diagnosed until later stages since many men don't realize they can develop this cancer. But recognizing symptoms (like lumps, nipple changes, or swelling) can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
According to the CDC, there were 279,731 new breast cancer cases reported in females in the US in 2022, and this resulted in 42,213 deaths in 2023. If you take a closer look, then you'd notice that these numbers only apply to women.
The fact is that breast cancer in men is possible, even though it's much rarer. Here's what seniors in Peoria, AZ need to know about the subject.
What Happens With Breast Cancer in Men?
The first part of breast cancer education for seniors is understanding how it happens. Basically, men (and women) develop breast cancer when cells mutate, grow uncontrollably, and form a malignant tumor.
Many people believe that men can't get breast cancer because they don't develop large breasts like women. But the reality is that they still have a small amount of breast tissue, which is where the cancer can originate from.
Risk factors for breast cancer in men include:
- Age (the older you are, the higher the risk)
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Inherited genetic mutations
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Conditions that increase estrogen levels
Just because you have some risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll get breast cancer. However, it means you should be more vigilant for signs of cancer.
What Are the Signs of Breast Cancer in Men?
An essential part of men's health awareness is knowing the signs of male breast cancer. The tricky thing is that the signs can be subtle, so you have to be very proactive and not dismiss them or doubt yourself.
Common symptoms are:
- A lump or swelling in the chest area
- Changes in the nipple (e.g., retraction, discharge)
- Redness, scaling, or skin irritation around the nipple or breast area
- Enlarged lymph nodes near the armpit
- Persistent pain or tenderness in the chest tissue
What Is Mistaken for Breast Cancer in Men?
Aging and health risks are closely linked; as you get older, your health risks go up. So male breast cancer can be misdiagnosed, or it can even be confused with other conditions. They include:
- Gynecomastia (benign enlargement of male breast tissue)
- Lipomas (harmless soft, fatty lumps under the skin)
- Infections or abscesses
- Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
Admittedly, these conditions are much more common than male breast cancer. So always get a medical evaluation to confirm a correct diagnosis. And if you have any doubts, it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis usually starts with senior health screenings. This means a physical exam and imaging, such as a mammogram or ultrasound. If the doctor detects a suspicious lump, then they'll do a biopsy to see if it's cancerous.
Should you receive a positive cancer diagnosis, then the treatment options available are similar to those for women. Your choices are:
- Surgery (mastectomy, or removal of breast tissue)
- Radiation therapy (targets and destroys cancer cells)
- Chemotherapy (treats cancer that's spread)
- Hormone therapy (good for cancers sensitive to estrogen or progesterone)
- Targeted therapy (used for specific genetic mutations)
Once you're done with treatment, you can enjoy life by doing things like taking travel tours.
Prevention and Awareness
You can't always prevent breast cancer, but you can certainly make lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risk and enjoy Peoria, AZ retirement wellness.
Our tips are to:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol intake
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to estrogen-based medications
- Manage conditions that can affect hormone levels (like liver disease)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Does Male Breast Cancer Usually Start?
Male breast cancer usually begins in the ducts, making it ductal carcinoma. Male breast cancer can start in the lobules too (lobular carcinoma), or even other breast tissue, but these occurrences aren't as common.
How Common Is Breast Cancer in Men?
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. says that male breast cancer makes up around 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses. This means that in the US, around 2,500 men are diagnosed each year.
At What Age Does Male Breast Cancer Typically Occur?
Your risk of cancer goes up as you get older, so it's no surprise that most cases are diagnosed in men who are between the ages of 60 and 70. It can occur earlier though, especially if you have genetic risk factors.
Can Men Inherit a Higher Risk for Breast Cancer?
Yes, if you have inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, then you have a significantly higher risk of getting breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, this also raises your risk.
Is Male Breast Cancer More Aggressive Than Female Breast Cancer?
Not necessarily, but it may seem like it is because men are typically diagnosed at later stages due to a lack of awareness. So as you can see, early detection is key.
Can Breast Cancer in Men Spread to Other Parts of the Body?
Yes, breast cancer is like other cancers, so it can metastasize to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, such as the bones, liver, or lungs. This is why it's important to receive early diagnosis and treatment, as it can prevent the uncontrolled spread of cancer cells.
Look After Your Health
After reading this article, you should now be aware that breast cancer in men can occur, even though it's very rare. This means that you should watch out for signs, and not just brush them off as something benign.
If you notice any abnormalities in your breast tissue, don't hesitate to book an appointment with your doctor. Even if it turns out to be something harmless like cysts, it's much better to be safe than to be sorry.
Contact us today if you're interested in senior living in Peoria, AZ. Vista Del Rio has pet-friendly cottages where you can lead a stress-free lifestyle with our maintenance and weekly housekeeping services.