When we hear the word ‘Breast Cancer’, we usually associate it with women. But did you know that men can also develop breast cancer?.
Statistics
While rare, breast cancer in men is still a possibility. According to the American Cancer Society, less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those of female breast cancer. These include:.
- A lump or swelling in the breast tissue
- Nipple retraction or inversion
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple discharge
- Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
Causes
The exact cause of male breast cancer is still unknown, but there are several factors that could increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:.
- Age – the risk of breast cancer increases with age
- Family history of breast cancer
- Exposure to radiation
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
Treatment
The treatment options for male breast cancer are similar to those for female breast cancer. These include:.
- Surgery to remove the affected breast tissue
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
Surprising Images
Despite the rarity of male breast cancer, there are still men out there who are living with the disease. And some of them have shared their stories and images to spread awareness about this often forgotten form of cancer.
Take a look at these surprising images of men living with breast cancer:.
This is Michael, a male breast cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 53 and underwent treatment, including a mastectomy and chemotherapy. He now advocates for male breast cancer awareness.
This is Kevin, another male breast cancer survivor. He was just 30 years old when he was diagnosed with the disease. He underwent a bilateral mastectomy and is now cancer-free.
Meet Stephen, a male breast cancer survivor and advocate. He was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 47 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Now, he’s spreading awareness and helping other men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Conclusion
Male breast cancer may be rare, but it’s still something that men need to be aware of. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your breast tissue, it’s important to speak to your doctor right away.
And remember, early detection is key to successful treatment!.