Men can develop breast cancer, although it's rare. Risks increase significantly with age, as well as family history and hormonal imbalances. Early detection of symptoms is essential since prompt diagnosis and treatment can vastly improve survival rates.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that in 2025, approximately 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. It's the most common cancer for women in the nation, so of course, it's a major thing on our radar.
But can men get breast cancer, too? And if so, what should you know about this disease? Read on to find out what seniors in Spartanburg, SC, should learn about male breast cancer.
Yes, men can get breast cancer since they also have breast tissue, which has ducts, glands, and fat cells.
As you may already know, men have breast tissue that's less developed than female breast tissue, but that doesn't mean it can't undergo cancerous changes too.
Because it's rarer for men to get breast cancer, there's a lack of awareness in the general community. As a result, this often leads to delayed diagnoses, which means that the cancer can be harder to treat.
One of the top male breast cancer facts you should know is that according to the CDC, around 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the US is found in a man. That already makes it extremely rare for men to get this type of cancer.
To narrow the scope down further, here's another statistic: the ACS says that the average lifetime risk of getting breast cancer for men is about 1 in 726.
Because men have less breast tissue, the symptoms often present differently in men than in women. Since they have less breast tissue, it's easier to feel lumps and abnormalities. However, many men may dismiss these things as unimportant.
Do note that men over the age of 60 are at a significantly higher risk, so this is why it's essential to have assisted living health info regarding the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer. They include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an immediate evaluation with your healthcare provider.
Aging and cancer risk go hand in hand; as you get older, your risk goes up for all types of cancer. But what are the other risk factors for male breast cancer?
They include:
As we've said earlier, male breast cancer is often diagnosed at later stages, so early detection for men is absolutely essential. Whether it's assisted living or memory care awareness, all senior men should:
The treatment options for male breast cancer are similar to those for female breast cancer. They include:
Yes, men's breast cancer can be cured, especially if you catch it early on. Survival rates depend on the stage at diagnosis; those who catch it early have an extremely high five-year survival rate.
Most male breast cancer cases are diagnosed in men who are over 60. However, it can still happen to men who are younger, especially those who have genetic risk factors.
Yes, as they can help with early detection of the following:
These can lead to prompt evaluation and improve your chances of successful treatment.
Gynecomastia is enlarged breast tissue in men. It's not cancer itself, and it doesn't directly cause breast cancer. But it can make self-exams more difficult and lumps harder to detect.
Yes, you can lower your risk by:
Doing all of the above can reduce risk factors linked to hormonal imbalance.
Yes. Excess body fat can increase your estrogen levels, which then raises your risk of developing breast cancer.
Male breast cancer is usually diagnosed through the following steps:
These things can confirm cancer and determine its type.
Not necessarily. It may seem that way because men are often diagnosed later, which means that their cancer may be more advanced at detection. This can make outcomes appear worse compared to those of women.
So can men get breast cancer? They can, although at much lower rates compared to women.
But because the majority are later-stage cases, it's vital for men to be vigilant about breast tissue changes. The earlier you receive a diagnosis and treatment, the better your survival rate will be.
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