Breast Cancer is a form of cancer that people tend to associate with female patients. Yet, it is not a strictly women’s disease. While it is true that male breast cancer is comparatively rare, the answer to the question “Can men get breast cancer?” is “Yes, they can.”
How can men get breast cancer if they don’t have breasts?
Right here is the misconception. Men do have breast tissue and even more or less developed mammary glands. Statistically, the occurrence of breast cancer in men is approx. 1%.
For us as cancer advocates, our goal in the context of breast cancer is breast cancer prevention and improvement of the chances of early detection and treatment options. That is why we also want to raise awareness of the fact that breast cancer in men is a possibility.
Men need to be aware of risk factors and pay attention to possible symptoms.
Early detection of breast cancer has a significant influence on a patient’s prognosis. You can find information and instructions on how to perform a self-exam for men here and here (download). Make sure to talk to your doctor about any potential symptoms or concerns you might have.
Beacon Advocates – Your Advocates!
The standard treatment options for breast cancer in men are the same as for women. Male or female, you are not alone: Our Beacon Advocates team is at your side to guide and support you through your cancer treatment journey. Find out more about our services and how we can help regarding the financial, legal, and emotional aspects of your cancer care management. Contact us and let’s discuss what we can do for you!
Can men get breast cancer? Sources and further reading:
– Male Breast Cancer – Mayoclinic.org
– Breast Cancer in Men – CDC.gov
– What is Breast Cancer in Men – Cancer.org
– Male Breast Cancer – Breastcancer.org
– 8 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer – Siteman.wustl.edu
– Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version – Cancer.gov
– Male Breast Cancer Symptoms, Signs, and Self-Exam – Hisbreastcancer.org
– Male Breast Self-Exam – Orlandohealth.com Download
