Male breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue of men. It is a rare condition, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. Male breast cancer can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in men between the ages of 60 and 70.
The exact causes of male breast cancer are not well understood, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, exposure to estrogen, radiation therapy, and liver disease.
The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those of female breast cancer and may include a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes to the skin or nipple, nipple discharge, and breast pain. However, because male breast tissue is much smaller than female breast tissue, lumps and other changes can be easier to detect in men.
Treatment for male breast cancer typically involves surgery to remove the affected breast tissue, along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, targeted therapy may also be used to treat male breast cancer.
Overall, the prognosis for male breast cancer is similar to that of female breast cancer, with early detection and treatment leading to the best outcomes. However, because male breast cancer is relatively rare, there is less research and information available about the disease, and men with breast cancer may face unique challenges in terms of stigma and accessing care.
