Breast Cancer Affects Men, Too

It’s not just women who need to know about breast cancer.

Although rare, men can develop breast cancer. More commonly, they will experience it with their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters and serve a vital role in the support network for the women they love during their breast cancer journeys.

Male Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates men have a one in 726 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the United States.

There are no routine screenings for male breast cancer. Most male breast cancers are found by self-exams and noticing changes.

Symptoms

Most commonly men notice a painless lump in their chest. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling in the breast
• A tender inverted nipple that is pulled into the chest
• Changes to the skin covering the chest such as dimpling, puckering, scaling or changes in the color of the skin.
• Ulcers or sores around the nipple area or on the chest
• A discharge or liquid from the nipple

Some men have factors that increase their risk of developing breast cancer. They include:

• BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation
• Getting older and obesity
• Having a close family member who has breast cancer
• Previous chest radiation
• The use of hormone therapy for prostate cancer or medicines containing estrogen
• Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic mutation
• Liver disease

When men develop breast cancer, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and hormone blockers.

Men can manage their risk by knowing their family history of breast cancer and if any family members have tested positive for genetic mutations related to breast cancer. Men should also focus on healthy lifestyle choices and preventing obesity to reduce the risk of breast and other kinds of cancer.

Supporting Survivors

With breast cancer affecting one in 8 women, men most commonly experience breast cancer through the women in their lives. A strong support network is invaluable for people facing the physical, emotional and spiritual toll that a cancer diagnosis can take.

The most important thing is to be present for the breast cancer survivors in your life and encourage them every day. Find ways to celebrate them and keep life fun.

You are an important advocate for the women in your life as they fight breast cancer. There are practical steps that can be very helpful.

• Assist them in writing down questions they want answered at medical appointments
• Attend medical appointments
• When family and friends offer assistance, be ready with a list of things that would be helpful

The cancer journey can be very emotional. Remember feelings are valid, even if you don’t understand them.

Some treatments can cause mood changes, weight gain and fatigue. They may experience these side effects for a few years or a lifetime. Remember even when the cancer is gone, there are still side effects from treatments that may never subside.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Supporting someone dealing with cancer can be stressful for you, too. Neglecting your health and well-being will ultimately make it harder to take care of your breast cancer survivor.

The monthly Cancer Journeys support group is open to both survivors and caregivers. It meets at 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at Hematology Oncology at 961 S. Gloster St. in Tupelo. It can be helpful to connect with other survivors and caregivers.

Men need to understand breast cancer for themselves and to better support the women in their lives.