Male breast cancer: an insightful guide

In one of our latest articles, Dr Claire Baldry, a highly esteemed consultant clinical oncologist, speaks to us in detail about male breast cancer, including the symptoms, how it is usually detected, and the various treatment options.

Are some men more at risk of breast cancer than others?

Yes. Some men may be more at risk of breast cancer. Men with a strong family history of breast cancer, or with inherited genetic changes such as the BRCA1 and 2 genes are typically at a higher risk. Men with Klinefelter syndrome (a rare condition caused by an extra X chromosome) may also be at increased risk. As with women, the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Being overweight or obese, as well as drinking alcohol, are both associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in both men and women.

What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?

The symptoms of breast cancer are similar in men and women. Patients may notice a lump in their breast or underarm area (the axilla), or notice changes in the skin of the breast such as puckering, lumpiness, redness, or sores.

How is breast cancer detected?

A mammogram is the first step, followed by an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy of the area.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment will largely depend on the stage and particular type of cancer. Just as in women, most male breast cancers are positive for oestrogen receptors (ER) which means that the cells grow and divide in response to oestrogen in the body.

If cancer is localised, treatment usually includes surgery. For men, a mastectomy is performed, rather than a lumpectomy, which is performed in women. Mastectomy involves removal of all the breast tissue, plus the nipple and some skin. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.

For cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease), then treatment is offered to control the cancer, but not to cure it. Again, the treatment depends on the type of cancer, but may be based on either hormone treatment or chemotherapy. For many metastatic breast cancers, treatment is successful and can control the cancer for a long period of time.

The results of treatment will depend on the exact type of cancer, and you can discuss this with your oncologist. You will usually be monitored with scans to ensure that the treatment is effective.

To book a consultation with Dr Claire Baldry, simply head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.