'Most common’ symptom of breast cancer in men as 85 are killed every year
Breast cancer is often considered a disease that only affects women, but around 400 men are diagnosed with the illness every year in the UK.
Although rare, the cancer grows in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples, explains the NHS. Every day, one man is diagnosed with the devastating disease, while 85 are killed by it annually, warns charity Breast Cancer Now.
Around 81 percent of breast cancer deaths in the UK are in men aged 65 and over, but the sooner the disease is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. The most common warning sign in men is a hard lump, which is usually painless, located in one of the breasts.
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In most cases, the lump is found underneath the nipple and areola, which is the circle of dark-coloured skin surrounding the nipple, highlights the NHS. The health body notes that this symptom could also be linked to gynaecomastia, a non-cancerous condition that causes enlargement to the male breast tissue.
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Less common symptoms of breast cancer in men
According to the NHS these include:
The nipple beginning to turn in on itself (nipple retraction)
The nipple becoming hard and inflamed, and looking sore (nipple ulceration)
Fluid leaking from the nipple (nipple discharge).
Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, told the Mirror: “For men, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the chest area which is often painless. Other symptoms men should look out for include liquid, coming from the nipple without squeezing, and which may be blood-stained, a tender or inverted (pulled in) nipple, ulcers on the chest or nipple area and also swelling of the chest area and occasionally a lump in the armpit.
“Most breast changes, including breast lumps, are not cancer. However, as with women, the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. This being the case, it’s vital that men contact the GP if they notice a new or unusual change to their chest area.”
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should visit your GP as soon as possible. During the examination, other possible signs of breast cancer will also be looked for, such as swollen lymph nodes (glands). The NHS writes: “It's likely your GP will refer you for further tests if there's a possibility you may have breast cancer.” When the disease spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver or lungs, this is known as metastatic breast cancer.
Additional symptoms can develop when the cancer has ‘metastasized’, these include:
Bone pain
Swelling of the lymph nodes (glands), usually in or around the armpit
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Shortness of breath
Feeling unusually tired all the time
Feeling sick (nausea)
Itchy skin with yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Addie said: “Although breast cancer in men is rare, we encourage everyone, including men, to Touch, Look, Check. It’s important for men to be body aware. Anyone can get breast cancer, so getting to know your normal is so important. Everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes. It’s all about getting used to checking and being aware of anything that’s new or different for you. Men should check their whole chest area up to their collarbone and armpits too.”
What causes breast cancer in men and what age does it start?
It's not exactly known what causes breast cancer in men, but Addie says there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease. “Getting older is the most significant risk for developing breast cancer. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, although younger men can also be affected. Also, a small number of men have a significant family history of breast cancer,” explained the nurse.
The NHS added that there are a number of genetic mutations known to increase the risk of breast cancer, with the most significant being the BRCA2 mutation. Family history could also be a risk, especially in men who have a first-degree relative who has developed breast cancer, such as a mother.
What’s more, having higher levels of the hormone oestrogen, or prolonged exposure to it, can increase the risk of breast cancer in men. There’s also evidence to suggest men working in hot environments are twice as likely to to develop breast cancer compared with men who work in cooler environments.
These environments include car manufacturing plants, steelworks, blast furnaces and rolling mills, writes the NHS. It added: “One hypothesis to help explain the link between working environment and the increased risk of developing breast cancer is that excessive heat may damage the testicles, which could lead to an increase in oestrogen levels. “Another hypothesis is that working in hot environments usually involves exposure to certain chemicals that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer in men.”
Men who manufacture perfumes and soaps are seven times more likely to develop breast cancer than the male population at large, while exposure to radiation has also been linked to an increased risk, claims the NHS. Addie said: “Leading a healthy lifestyle, while doesn’t guarantee that you won’t develop breast cancer, can help give you a better chance. Making small changes like maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink can help lower your chances of developing breast cancer.”
The expert added: “We know a diagnosis can feel isolating and if you’re a man facing breast cancer, we’re here. Men can talk on the phone or by email to another man who has had breast cancer through our Someone Like Me service. For more information and to find out what support is available, you can also call our helpline nurses free on 0808 800 6000.”
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