Breast cancer in men: 5 important facts

The research in the field of male breast cancer is limited due to the rarity of the disease.

Even though breast cancer is more common in women than in men, breast cancer in men is a serious concern. Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Director - Head, Neck and Thorax Surgical Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh helps us in understanding the top 5 facts about male breast cancer:

1. Male breast cancer is rare: Breast cancer is uncommon in men. Breast cancer accounts for <1% of all cancer in males with an estimated lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1000 in men. The rarity of breast cancer in men is due to small amount of breast tissue and lack of cyclical changes of hormones in the body. Incidence rates for MBC increase linearly and steadily with age, with the mean age at diagnosis being between 60 and 70 years.

2. There are some major telltale symptoms of breast cancer in men: Majority of the patients have a breast lump, ulceration, discharge, and armpit swelling at an early stage. In advanced stages, symptoms occur based on the site of metastasis. A recent change in shape of breast or nipple, thickening of the breast tissue, nipple discharge, redness or scaling of the nipple, a nipple that retracts or turns inward unexplained redness, swelling, skin irritation, itchiness, or rash on the breast are the other common symptoms. Even bone pain, breathlessness, cough with expectoration, and seizures based on the organ of involvement can be symptoms of breast cancer in men.

3. Genes or family history plays an important role in male breast cancer: BRCA1 and, more commonly, BRCA2 mutations are associated with increased risk of male breast cancer (MBC). However, only a paucity of data exists on the pathology of breast cancers (BCs) in men with BRCA1/2 mutations. BRCA1 male breast tumours are of higher grade compared with those in the general population. BRCA testing should be done in relatives of breast cancer patient with significant family history.

4. Generally, men are diagnosed with breast cancer at more advanced stages: Usually, male breast cancer is present in locally advanced stage in view of lack of fatty tissue in the breast. Tumor involves the chest wall early and hence advances stage at presentation. But the prognosis of male breast cancer corresponds to the female stage by stage. Five-year survival rates for male breast cancer range from 36% to 66%.

5. There is a possibility of a lot of advanced research on the topic of male breast cancer: Current data suggest more similarities than dissimilarities between male and female breast cancers; however, additional research on molecular characteristics of male breast cancer is crucial. The research in the field of male breast cancer is very much limited due to the rarity of the disease. Most of the literature in the field of male breast cancer is only retrospective series. Most of the knowledge of male breast cancer is the understanding from female breast cancer.

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