Breast cancer in men

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are:

* A lump or swelling in the breast.

* Redness or flaky skin in the breast.

* Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.

* Nipple discharge.

* Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

These symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any symptoms that worry you, see your doctor right away.

What are the risk factors?

Several factors can increase a man’s chance of getting breast cancer. Having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer.

Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are found after age 50.

Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes.

Family history. A man’s risk for breast cancer is higher if a close family member has had breast cancer.

Radiation therapy treatment. Men who had radiation therapy to the chest have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

Hormone therapy treatment. Drugs containing oestrogen (a hormone that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics), which were used to treat prostate cancer in the past, increase men’s breast cancer risk.

Klinefelter syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to the body making higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of androgens (hormones that help develop and maintain male sex characteristics).

Conditions that affect the testicles. Injury to, swelling in, or surgery to remove the testicles can increase breast cancer risk.

Liver disease. Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise oestrogen levels in men, increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Overweight and obesity. Older men who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than men at a normal weight.

Source: CDC