The Rising Awareness of Male Breast Cancer

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The Rising Awareness of Male Breast Cancer

The Rising Awareness of Male Breast Cancer

Five years ago, a Florida man was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer after being “unaware” that men could suffer from this disease.

Zac Yarbrough, a 43-year-old, was swimming with his two toddlers five years ago when he noticed a lump in his lower left chest area. Initially, he was clueless about it and continued to travel the world, participating in fishing competitions.

Eventually, the lump grew to the size of a golf ball, making him appear as though he had a “chest.”

While men account for only 1% of all breast cancer cases in the United States, Mr. Yarbrough’s doctor advised him to have a breast X-ray. The results came back at stage four, with the cancer having spread to his lymph nodes and lungs.

However, like many others in the past, people remain unaware that men can get breast cancer.

43-year-old Zac Yarbrough was swimming with his two toddlers five years ago when he felt a lump in his lower left chest area. It turned out to be stage four breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and worldwide.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that by 2023, 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with 530 of them dying from the disease. On the other hand, nearly 300,000 women will receive the same diagnosis this year, with over 43,000 deaths.

However, the ACS also points out that with early detection, nearly 99% of breast cancer patients will survive for five years after diagnosis. Once it spreads, this rate drops to 40%.

This is particularly concerning for men, who may not be able to recognize symptoms as quickly as women.

A study published in 2019 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology found that the mortality rate for men with breast cancer is higher than that for women. While women have an 86.4% survival rate, men have only a 77.6% chance of surviving five years later.

This may be due to delayed diagnosis in men, possibly due to a lack of awareness among both patients and doctors.

Currently, it is recommended that all women aged 50 to 74 have a breast X-ray – a low-energy X-ray of the breast – every two years.

However, there are currently no screening guidelines specifically for men.

The Rising Awareness of Male Breast Cancer

Why Could Men Also Get Breast Cancer?

Men can also get breast cancer because, like women, they have breast tissue, although it is much less developed.

Breast cancer can develop in the small amount of breast tissue present in men due to the same underlying biological factors that can lead to cancer in women.

Some reasons why men can get breast cancer:

Breast Tissue: While women have more developed breast tissue, men have a small amount of breast tissue behind their nipples. This tissue contains ducts and lobules, which can potentially become cancerous.
Hormonal Factors: Hormones play a role in the development of breast cancer. Both men and women have hormones, and changes in the balance of hormones (such as an increase in estrogen) can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Genetic Factors: Mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in both men and women. Men with these genetic mutations are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as radiation therapy for another cancer, can increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women.
Family History: A family history of breast cancer can also increase the risk for men. If close female relatives (like a mother or sister) have had breast cancer, it can raise the risk for men in the family as well.
Liver Disease: Conditions that affect the liver, like cirrhosis, can alter hormone levels in the body and potentially increase the risk of breast cancer.

It’s important to note that while men can get breast cancer, the risk is still much lower compared to women.

Breast cancer in men is relatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Nevertheless, it’s essential for both men and women to be aware of the risk factors and be vigilant about changes in their breast tissue, as early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of survival.