There is a lot of stigma surrounding male breast cancer, as well as a lack of knowledge and awareness, and this can be one of the biggest factors in how treatable this form of cancer can be.
Male breast cancer is relatively uncommon, especially compared to the incidences of breast cancer that occur in women. The long-term prognosis for male wellness, following on from this disease, are, however, significantly poorer than the long-term wellbeing of women who are diagnosed with this disease.
Approximately one percent of all breast cancer cases occur in men, although it is feared that this level may be on the rise. Men who have a strong history in their family of incidences of breast cancer (either female or male) may have an increased chance of developing the disease themselves.
Due to the fact that the disease is so uncommon, however, many men are not aware of this. Men often ignore vital signs that they may be in the early stages of breast cancer, because they are simply not aware that this disease can happen to them. Moreover, men often do not know what to do or who to contact if they do suspect that they have an unusual lump in the pectoral region.
The usual first sign of male breast cancer is the presentation of a lump, in the ‘breast’ area of a man. Treatment should be sought as soon as any kind of unusual lump is felt, although many men do not do this and only seek help when the lump has become significantly bigger and is breaking the skin or causing bleeding. Due to the proximity of the lymph nodes, another symptom can be the appearance of a lump in the armpit region.
A man who presents with a ‘breast’ lump is usually given an ultrasound scan and sometimes a mammogram. This can then be followed by a biopsy, to determine the exact nature of the lump. If cancer is found, treatment will usually involve surgical removal of the lump (and potentially the surrounding tissue) as well as possibly chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the stage that the cancer is at.
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