Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A good percentage of people have never come across the phrase: ‘breast cancer in men’, which is a direct indication of how little it has been spoken about.
Breast cancer in men may not be as common as it is in women. However, the survival rates in men are much lower as compared to the fairer sex.
The lower incidence of breast cancer and lack of awareness among men often leads to ignorance; hence, men are usually diagnosed with breast cancer after they have reached the advanced stage. Delayed help seeking behaviour is a massive issue among men worldwide.
The factors that lead to breast cancer in men are family history, history of radiation exposure of the chest, enlargement of breasts (called gynecomastia) from drug or hormone treatments, consumption of estrogen, a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter’s syndrome, severe liver disease and diseases of the testicles such as mumps orchitis, a testicular injury, or an undescended testicle.
The tumour is usually detected underneath the nipple and areola as a hard lump. Other symptoms of breast cancer are nipple discolouration, irritation and nipple discharge
The cancer mass may aggravate and spread to the nearby lymph nodes and organs depending on the delay in diagnosis.
Education and raising awareness is the key to encouraging early detection which will further lead to higher survival rates among men.
The usual health screening methods to detect breast cancer in males and females include breast self-exams, ultrasounds, mammograms and clinical exams.
Breast cancer has a higher incidence among men above the age of 60. All men of age 35 and above are recommended to perform regular self-examinations at home and consult a doctor immediately in case of any abnormalities.
As a community, we need to overcome the social stigma that comes along with the condition and treat every health issue equally. Both men and women need to be cautious about their health and be alert regarding any minor changes in their body. Early detection can save lives.
Dr Sabiha Sayasachi Banerjee, by email.
