Male Breast Cancer Awareness

by: Victor Olima, NCLEX – RN & IELTS Instructor

Generally, populations all over the world are not keen on the impact and burden of breast cancer in men. Such cases have been largely attributed to women. However, that should not always be the case as every person has some breast tissue hence the chances of developing breast cancer (Liu et al., 2018)

Research suggests that male breast cancer contributes to less than 1% of the new cases of cancer which loosely translates to 20000 cases yearly worldwide (Konduri et al., 2020). The statistics serve as a clarion call to men and a constant reminder that the monster spares no one. Therefore, men should be equally aware of breast cancer as women are and take necessary actions to remain in a safe space through early detection and treatment

Male breast cancer is associated with limitless factors such as old age, obesity, liver diseases, family history, and use of drugs with estrogen as a component among many other factors (Obeagu & Obeagu, 2024).

• Old age: The risk of developing male breast cancer is greatly associated with increased age. The condition commonly affects men who have attained the age of 60 years and above. However, that is not always the case as the condition can come at any age.
• Obesity: The relationship between obesity and male breast cancer is that obesity increases the levels of estrogen hormone in the body hence increasing the chances of developing breast cancer.
• Liver disease: Conditions of the liver such as liver cirrhosis play a role in the development of male breast cancer by destabilizing hormonal levels in the body.
• Family history: Having blood relatives who have breast cancer serves as a great predictor of the development of breast cancer among family members.
• Hormonal therapies: Taking medicines that contain hormones such as estrogen increases the risk of developing male breast cancer.

Common signs and symptoms of male breast cancer can include

• Bleeding from the nipples/discharge from the nipples.
• Unexplained painless lumps around the breast area/chest.
• Changes in the color of the skin around the chest.

If you experience such signs and symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor/Healthcare provider (Obeagu & Obeagu, 2024).

Although there is no definitive approach to the prevention of male breast cancer, early detection and treatment have proven to be useful (Farkas & Nattinger, 2023). Those with an increased risk of developing male breast cancer can:

• Do regular breast examinations and note any deviations that may point out to the development of male breast cancer.
• See a healthcare professional/ a doctor and report abnormal signs and symptoms.

The overall objective is to fight the monster through the identification of risk factors, early detection, and treatment. Let us all unite, arise, and create awareness!