How Do Men Get Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer has rapidly become an epidemic especially in America. Many people think that breast cancer only affects women, but breast cancer also takes the lives of many men each year. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, men account for 1% of breast cancer cases in the United States. About 1,400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Breast cancer is not just a woman's disease because men actually have breasts too. Although most men have less breast tissue than women they are still at risk. Most men's breasts are actually very similar to the breasts of a girl right before puberty. According the American Cancer Society, most men don't even realize that they have breast cancer until it is in the late stages because many men don't check for lumps.

What are the Risk Factors?

Even though the risk is small there is still a risk just for having breast tissue and men actually do have breast tissue which is under developed. Men can even produce milk if given the proper hormones and stimulation. Men are at risk for breast cancer because they typically don't suspect that they will get it so they never check for it like women do. Men who have more breast tissue from gynecomastia are at an increased risk because there are more places for tumors to grow. Age is always a risk factor for any type of cancer. According to Dr. George Sledge M.D, "men who are exposed to higher levels of estrogen due to hormone imbalances, cirrhosis, and gynecomastia have a much higher risk for developing breast cancer." Men can also inherit the breast cancer gene from their mother or father which can also elevate their risk. Another risk factor includes exposure to radiation.

Even if you have low risk factors for breast cancer it is important to take preventative measures to stay healthy. Do monthly self breast exams whether you're a woman or a man in order to check for lumps. If you are a man and you have gynecomastia be sure to get treated by a doctor and have the tissue removed if this is your choice. Having the tissue removed can help to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Eat a healthy well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to cirrhosis of the liver so it is best to limit or avoid drinking alcohol. Keep yourself informed about breast cancer.

http://menstuff.org/issues/byissue/breastcancer.html#riskup

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusRiskAndPrevention/story?id=3635921

http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2100/2191.asp?index=9011