Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer in men: symptoms, survival rate, Can men get breast cancer. Among the types of cancer in men, male breast cancer arises in the tissues of the breast. Males don’t have milk-producing breasts, but they have breast tissue instead.

Breast cancer in men: symptoms, survival rate, Can men get breast cancer
Breast cancer in men: symptoms, survival rate, Can men get breast cancer

Cells of cancer can grow in any part of the body and spread throughout it if allowed to proliferate. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are all treatments for cancer. Based on the tumor’s size and extent, the prognosis is determined.

Breast tissue can be found in both men and women. Men have most of their breast tissue located behind their nipples. In addition to having far more breast tissue than men, women are also at a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, male breast tissue is susceptible to cancer.

Each year, there are approximately 150 males diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, most of whom are older than 50. The number of men diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year is expected to rise incrementally as the population ages. In order to reduce the number of impacted men and their families, providing information and assistance has become increasingly important.

Symptoms

Men can experience similar symptoms to those of women with breast cancer, including:

  • Breast lumps:  On the breast, behind the nipple, or within the armpit, a thickened area, lump, or mass may develop.  
  • Enlargement of the breast tissue: The size of the breast may become enlarged.
  • Skin Changes: Red, flaky, or scaly skin may become around the breasts and nipples. Ulcers can also appear in the breasts and nipples.
  • Change in breast shape: There may be expanded breast tissue, a puckered breast, a misshapen breast, or a sunken breast. Orange may have dimples or small pits, similar to the skin of the fruit.
  • Discharge from the breast: There may be clear or bloody liquid coming out of the nipple. Breast cancer can also be detected by a nipple that is inverted (instead of sticking out).
  • A painful area: In the breast tissue or underarm area, you may feel tender, sensitive, or pain. 
  • Swelling of the armpit lymph nodes: You might find a painless lump in your armpit or breast.

Survival Rate

Men and women have the same survival rates when both are diagnosed with breast cancer at the same stage. The chances of men developing breast cancer later in life are higher, however. Cancer found at a later stage has a lower likelihood of being cured.

The 5-year survival rate describes the proportion of individuals who live at least 5 years after being diagnosed with cancer. The percentage indicates how many out of 100 something is. Eighty-four percent of breast cancer patients survive for five years.

The survival rate of an individual is determined by several factors, including the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate for men with breast cancer is 97 percent when the cancer is only found in the breast.

Approximately 47 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed at this stage. With debilitating cancers affecting the lymph nodes of the region, the 5-year survival rate is about 83 percent. If cancer has progressed to lymph nodes in the region, the five-year survival rate is 83 percent.

On average, 22% of people who have cancer that has spread to a distant part of the body will survive five years. The availability of new medicines can enable patients with breast cancer to maintain a good quality of life for a while even if their cancer has advanced.

Can Men Get Breast Cancer?

Men are also susceptible to breast cancer, though it is more prevalent in women. In the United States, approximately one in every 100 cases of breast cancer is diagnosed in a male. This is known as invasive ductal carcinoma. A cancerous cell starts in the ducts and then spreads outward from there into other parts of the breast tissue.

Can I Prevent Male Breast Cancer? 

Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to prevent breast cancer. Exercise, eating right, avoiding excessive alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help reduce your risk of developing the disease.


A family history of breast cancer should be discussed with your doctor. If you think you may have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, you may want to get a genetic test done. Having genetic changes associated with breast cancer increases the likelihood of developing the disease.

These gene mutations should be monitored regularly by a doctor and regular cancer screenings should be performed for people with these mutations.

What is the Outlook for Men with Breast Cancer?

When men are diagnosed with breast cancer, the prognosis depends on the size and spread of the tumor. These factors are reflected in the stage. Generally speaking, the more advanced the stage, the worse the prognosis.

If detected early, the prognosis can be significantly improved. On the other hand, men are less likely to get regular breast cancer screenings, so their first indication of cancer is usually a lump. It is frequently by this point that cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

If I have male breast cancer, when should I see my healthcare provider?

In case of breast cancer symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible. To prevent further complications, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. When the condition is detected and treated early, the prognosis is greatly improved.

Takeaway: Breast Cancer in Men

It is believed that many men are immune to breast cancer. This may lead people to miss early warning signs. If you suspect that your chest tissue is damaged, contact your healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference to a patient’s long-term prognosis.

You should tell your doctor about all your symptoms, including the length of time you have experienced them. If you have any factors that put you at risk for male breast cancer, you should speak with your doctor about how you can reduce your chances.

Read also: Breast cancer stages; Carcinoma breast cancer; Signs of breast cancer; Triple-negative breast cancer

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