A couple years ago,
I read an article stating that a well known singer and her sister were requested to get a screening for breast cancer after their father had undergone a gene test and was found to have a mutation in his BRCA2 gene which could increase one's risk for breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, or melanoma and that article left me baffled about the fact that men are also prone to breast cancer, so I decided to explore about this well known disease that we seem to know so little about.
After puberty, boys and men normally have low levels of estrogen, and breast tissue doesn’t grow much. Men's breast tissue has ducts, but only a few ,if any, have lobules. Lumps may be caused by many types of breast cancer, but that’s not always the case which may also cause benign breast disorders.
Types -
Gynecomastia is the most common male breast disorder. It is not a tumor but rather an increase in the number of a man's breast tissue glands normally produce estrogen, but not enough to cause breast growth. Diseases of the liver, which is an important organ in male and female hormone metabolism, can change a man's hormone balance and lead to gynecomastia.
Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic condition, can increase a man's risk of developing breast cancer. It is often overlooked until adulthood. Klinefelter syndrome may adversely affect testicular growth, resulting in smaller than normal testicles, which can lead to lower production of testosterone
Common symptoms of breast cancer in men:
A lump or swelling in the breast.
Redness or flaky skin in the breast.
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
Nipple discharge.
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
Risk factors:
Several factors can play part in increasing the risk of breast cancer in men i.e.
Getting older: men who are 50 or older are at a higher risk of the cancer
Genetics and family history: BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes or a close family member having cancer can increase the risk of cancer.
Radiation and hormone therapy treatment: radiation therapy to the chest and drugs containing estrogen increase cancer risk.
Obesity: older men who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of the cancer
Liver problems: scarring of the liver can increase the production of estrogen and increase cancer risk.
Conditions affecting the testicles: injury to, swelling in/off, or surgery that requires the testicles to be removed can increase the risk of getting the cancer.
How to reduce risk:
If members of the family have/had ovarian or breast cancer or are known to have a BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, the information must be shared with your doctor, who may refer you for genetic counseling. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer.
The genetic testing shows one may have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, the doctor will explain what one must do to find cancer early if one gets it.
All men can lower their risk by keeping a healthy weight and being physically active.
As desk jobs lead to a lack of physical fitness and unhealthy lifestyle habits, simple signs should not be overlooked as they may lead to much serious cases in the future.
Sources:
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