Breast cancer in men does happen. Yes. Male breast cancer exists.
Like women, men have breast tissue and the types of breast cancer in men, are similar to women. Not all men understand that male breast cancer is not only a womens health issue, but one that both sexes must be aware of. Men must know basic information and risk factors about male breast cancer.
Males who understand the signs of breast cancer, are in the minority. Most men do not know about male breast cancer, and do not realise that it is possible for them to have a breast lump. Signs of breast cancer are sometimes missed and found later down the track, therefore it can reduce options available.
It is difficult for a man to get his head around, to process and accept he has breast cancer. In a man? Really, no, it cant be, isn't it a woman's disease? Men have been known to think that women are the unlucky ones who find a breast lump, and that men don't experience male breast cancer. Yes they can. Sorry men, it is perceived as a women's disease, but it is not only us who must do self breast exams (BSE) and visual observations. Welcome to the club.
Guys, here are some signs of breast cancer you need to know about.
Be active in your breast self exam and encourage the women in your life, to do the same. Fear is often a reason why breast examination is not done, so if you have a partner, why not remind and support each other to do breast self exam each month, and hopefully breast cancer in men and women can be caught earlier.
If you were to discover a breast lump, please seek medical attention. This is not something that you should delay doing. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a man to visit a doctor, however this is one of those times that you do need to pick up the phone and make an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is key!
Like women, men have breast tissue and the types of breast cancer in men, are similar to women. Not all men understand that male breast cancer is not only a womens health issue, but one that both sexes must be aware of. Men must know basic information and risk factors about male breast cancer.
Males who understand the signs of breast cancer, are in the minority. Most men do not know about male breast cancer, and do not realise that it is possible for them to have a breast lump. Signs of breast cancer are sometimes missed and found later down the track, therefore it can reduce options available.
It is difficult for a man to get his head around, to process and accept he has breast cancer. In a man? Really, no, it cant be, isn't it a woman's disease? Men have been known to think that women are the unlucky ones who find a breast lump, and that men don't experience male breast cancer. Yes they can. Sorry men, it is perceived as a women's disease, but it is not only us who must do self breast exams (BSE) and visual observations. Welcome to the club.
Guys, here are some signs of breast cancer you need to know about.
- Breast lump
- Indentations
- Puckering
- Nipple discharge
- Rash
- Itching
- Lesion or sore
- Redness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Changes in colour of nipple or chest
- Age. More common in men as they age.
- Family members. Know your family history?
- A breast cancer gene may increase your risk.
- Exposure to radiation to your chest when younger.
- Klinefelters syndrome. This is when men have an extra x chromosome, so they do not make as much testosterone.
- Estrogen. Have prostate cancer hormone therapy? This can raise your risk, so you need to be aware and do regular breast examinations.
- Obesity. You have more fat cells that are converting androgens into estrogen, therefore elevating levels and increasing your risk.
- Alcohol. Might be an idea to look at the amount you are drinking and possibly reduce.
Be active in your breast self exam and encourage the women in your life, to do the same. Fear is often a reason why breast examination is not done, so if you have a partner, why not remind and support each other to do breast self exam each month, and hopefully breast cancer in men and women can be caught earlier.
If you were to discover a breast lump, please seek medical attention. This is not something that you should delay doing. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a man to visit a doctor, however this is one of those times that you do need to pick up the phone and make an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection is key!
