The can affect both women and men. In fact, it is estimated that its incidence in men is around 1.5% of the total cases of breast cancer in Spain.
And one of the biggest problems facing oncology specialists is that when men affected by a breast tumor come in for consultations, the cancer is in advanced stages. 80% of cases of breast cancer in men are detected in advanced stages and when there is already involvement in the lymph nodes in the armpit. This means that the average age of diagnosis is delayed from 60 years.
There are several reasons that cause the late diagnosis of breast cancer among men. The first, according to the Dr. Ignacio Moncadapresident of the , is “the reason is the lack of information about the possibility of this tumor occurring in a male.”
“They tend to be diagnosed later because importance is not given, they are not aware of it and that is why they reach the doctor when the tumors already have lymph node involvement, with a worse prognosis,” adds the Dr. Noelia Martinezmedical oncologist at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid and member of the board of directors of the
Risk factor’s
Genetics play a fundamental role among the risk factors for breast cancer in men, much more than among women.
-
“The genetic component is greater than in female breast cancer, in which it usually occurs in 5% of cases, compared to about 20% in men. Therefore, all men with a family history should be referred to the Genetic Counseling units to carry out the study both on the patient and, if it is positive, as well as on the family, because it is something heritable”, emphasizes Dr. Noelia Martínez.
Thus, between 15-20% of those affected by this type of cancer have a family history. In addition, the sisters or daughters of patients have two to three times the risk of developing the disease.
But in addition to genetics, breast cancer specialists point to other risk factors in the case of men:
-
Age.
-
Suffer hormonal changes.
-
Exposure to ionizing radiation.
-
.
-
Having Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition that affects testosterone production.
-
Liver diseases such as
Symptoms of breast cancer in men
The most frequent symptoms that can alert the appearance of a breast tumor in men are:
-
Detection of a painless lump in the breast.
-
Breast growth (gynecomastia).
-
Retraction of the nipple or skin.
-
Nipple discharge.
Male Breast Cancer Research
Unfortunately, much remains to be done in the research of this cancer in male patients. As the oncologist explains, “since it is a small prevalence, interest is low and there are no clinical trials for this population group.
The research that exists today is academic, based on retrospective studies or case series, but there are no prospective studies in this regard”.
In fact, the GEICAM Breast Cancer Research Group has launched the first National Registry of Male Breast Cancer, thanks to which Spain is positioned as a key country for research on this type of tumor in men with the collection from clinical data and biological specimens from about 800 patients.
“At GEICAM”, this expert comments, “we have always been interested in this tumor in men, because they also have breasts and can be victims of this tumor considered ‘female’. The reality is that we are completely ignorant and we have been approaching a disease as we do in the case of women and, as has already been shown, it is different and we have to individualize it. Hence the importance of creating this record”.
More knowledge and less stigma
For Màrius Soler, president and founder of , increasing visibility also involves improving training at the first level of care so that there is earlier detection and not trivializing a disease.
He stigmaUndoubtedly, it represents another of the main barriers to overcome so that there is more talk about this disease in men.
“We must normalize that we all have breasts, so a man can also suffer from breast cancer. Men should also feel supported so that we dare to tell it. For fear of not being understood or having problems at work and in the environment, we keep it a secret”, says Màrius.
In fact, Dr. Moncada comments that for a man having breast cancer adds an element of shame: “the mere fact of having cancer of any origin has a negative emotional impact, but if it is breast cancer, a typically female cancer, it represents a load of disbelief and isolation, which makes one unable to talk about it with friends or family who always provide fundamental psychological support”, concludes this expert.