Only women get breast cancer? Wrong! Men also need to be vigilant

Author: Xie Wenjuan: Ion Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China

Sun Qian Ion Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China

Hui Chen Ion Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China

Reviewer: Zhou Tao, Chief Physician, First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China

In this fast-paced society, each of us is constantly running for our own happy life. However, in this busy life, there is a disease that is not as common as a cold, but it quietly threatens our health - that is breast cancer. For a long time, breast cancer seems to be a disease that only women can suffer from in people's impression. However, there is a huge misunderstanding in this traditional concept. In fact, men are also at risk of breast cancer. Although the incidence of male breast cancer is much lower than that of females, this does not mean that men can take it lightly. Today, we will delve into the neglected health issue of male breast cancer. By popularizing the knowledge of male breast cancer, we hope to arouse the attention of men to this disease and let more people understand that breast cancer has no gender distinction, and men also need to be vigilant.

1. Breast cancer is not exclusive to women

According to statistics, male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of new breast cancers[1]. A multicenter study report by the Breast Surgery Group of the Chinese Medical Association's Surgery Branch[2] pointed out that the number of male breast cancer patients in China accounts for about 0.31% of the total number of breast cancer patients. In the United States, at least 3,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and at least 500 men die from breast cancer each year[3]. These data tell us that male breast cancer is not non-existent, but a real health hazard. In particular, as men age, the probability of developing breast cancer will gradually increase. The peak age for male breast cancer is 60 to 70 years old. In recent years, there have also been cases of men in their 30s suffering from breast cancer. Although rare, this also reminds us that young men may also develop breast cancer.

2. What are the signs of breast cancer in men?

1. Chest lump: The most common symptom of male breast cancer is an obvious lump in the chest with a hard texture and unclear edges.

2. Nipple abnormalities: Discharge, swelling, color change, inversion, and asymmetry of the breasts in men are all signs of breast cancer.

3. If men experience symptoms such as chest skin ulcers and pain, they should also be highly alert to the possibility of breast cancer.

3. What are the high-risk factors for breast cancer in men?

1. Family history: Men with a family history of breast cancer, especially those whose immediate relatives have breast cancer, have an increased risk of developing the disease.

2. Genetic genes: Men who carry breast cancer-related genes and XXY syndrome genes have a higher risk of breast cancer.

3. Hormone levels: Factors such as liver disease and obesity may lead to lower androgen levels and higher estrogen levels in men, thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer in men.

4. Those who have received chemotherapy or radiotherapy for other diseases (such as lymphoma or testicular cancer), or have been exposed to high levels of radioactivity in the chest for a long time in an occupational environment or during medical procedures.

5. Lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyles such as alcoholism, lack of exercise, and blind intake of nutritional supplements may increase the risk of breast cancer in men.

4. Early detection is important

Since most men have insufficient knowledge about breast cancer, they often find themselves in the middle or late stages of the disease, so their cure rate is much lower than that of women. Therefore, early detection is of great significance to improving the cure rate of male breast cancer. The early detection methods are as follows.

1. Self-examination: The method of self-examination for breast cancer can be summarized as "one look, two touch".

First look: Stand in front of a mirror and observe whether the size, shape, and color of both breasts are symmetrical. Check whether the nipples are inverted, deformed, or scabbed. Pay attention to whether the breast skin has wrinkles, depressions, or orange peel-like tissue.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

Second touch: Touch various areas of the breast to check for lumps, nodules or thickened areas, as well as palpable lymph nodes. Use your thumb and index finger to squeeze the nipple to observe whether there is discharge, especially bloody discharge.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

2. Mammography: suitable for early detection of breast cancer.

3. Ultrasound examination: can understand the size, shape, texture, etc. of breast lumps.

4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It has high sensitivity in diagnosing breast cancer.

5. How can we prevent breast cancer?

1. Healthy diet: Maintain a balanced and healthy eating habit, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other foods rich in dietary fiber.

2. Regular physical examinations: Men should also undergo regular breast examinations, especially those in high-risk groups with family history, related genetic genes, etc.

3. Lifestyle adjustments: maintain a good work and rest schedule, exercise moderately, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, avoid exposure to radiation, and do not blindly take nutritional supplements.

4. Mental health: Maintaining an optimistic attitude and reducing psychological stress is beneficial to physical health.

Breast cancer knows no gender distinction, and men need to be vigilant as well. Let us work together to continuously enhance awareness of male breast cancer, pay attention to men’s health, and protect ourselves and our loved ones.

【References】

[1]SIEGEL RL, MILLER KD, FUCHS HE, et al. Cancer statistics, 2021［J］. CA Cancer J Clin, 2021, 71(1):7-33.

[2] Breast Surgery Group, Chinese Medical Association. Practice Guidelines for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Breast Cancer in China (2023 Edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery, 2023, 43(2): 139-143.

[3]SIEGEL RL, MILLER KD, FUCHS HE, et al. Cancer statistics, 2022[J]. CA Cancer J Clin, 2022, 72(1):7-33.