Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Male Breast Cancer

It's time to paint the town pink!

Sport those little pink ribbons through the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there are four specific ribbons:

• Hot pink: inflammatory breast cancer
• Teal and pink: hereditary and Gynecologic cancers
• Pink and blue: male breast cancer
• Teal, pink and green: metastatic breast cancer

Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, but did you know that men can have breast cancer, too?

Breast cancer is typically associated with women but can also affect men. While the incidence of breast cancer in men is significantly lower than in women, it is still a cause for concern.

In 2009, the male breast cancer advocacy groups Out of the Shadow of Pink, A Man's Pink, and the Brandon Greening Foundation for Breast Cancer in Men joined to globally establish the third week of October as "Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

While much progress has been made in understanding and supporting breast cancer patients, few people are aware of Male Breast Cancer. Let us take this Breast Cancer Awareness month as a reminder to be more empathetic to people suffering from this disease while educating ourselves about breast cancer, its risks, prevention, and treatment options.

Awareness is the first step to prevention and cure. Read on to learn the lesser-known aspect of breast cancer, discussing its occurrence in men, their challenges, and the importance of gender-neutral awareness campaigns.

What is Male Breast Cancer?

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare cancer that originates in the breast tissue of males. It is less common than breast cancer in women but still a cause for concern.

It occurs when the cells in the breast tissue of men grow abnormally and form a tumour. The tumour may be invasive, which means it can spread to other body parts, or non-invasive, which means it stays within the breast tissue.

Like breast cancer in women, early detection and treatment of MBC can lead to better outcomes.

How common is Male Breast Cancer?

Male Breast Cancer is rare. One in every 800 men is estimated to develop this cancer during their lifetime. Men make up less than 1% of new breast cancer cases, with approximately 20,000 new diagnoses reported globally each year.

Mathew Knowles, the music producer and father of Beyoncé Knowles, was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful treatment, he discovered that he has the BRCA gene, which can mutate and lead to cancer. He now encourages people to learn more about their risk factors, and he's focused on educating people about men's risk of cancer, which is often detected later due to a lack of awareness.

What is the mortality rate of Male Breast Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in the United States in 2021, and approximately 530 men will die from the disease.

Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

As men age, their likelihood of developing breast cancer increases, with the majority of cases occurring after the age of 60.

Family History: Men with a family history of breast cancer may be at a higher risk, especially if it was in a close female relative.

Inherited Gene Mutations: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can also increase men's risk of breast cancer.

Radiation Exposure: Past radiation exposure can be a risk factor, especially in the chest area.

Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions that alter hormone levels in men, such as Klinefelter syndrome or cirrhosis, may increase the risk.

Liver Disease: Certain liver diseases can lead to higher estrogen levels in men, potentially raising the risk of breast cancer.

Raising Awareness: Why It Matters

Once people are aware, they can self-examine or get medical help if they notice symptoms of breast cancer. This leads to early detection and saving of lives with successful treatments.

A broader awareness of the issue can lead to the development of more support networks and resources specifically designed for men, thereby reducing social stigma. Heightened awareness can increase funding and research for male breast cancer treatment, improving our understanding of the disease and treatment options.

Breast cancer does not discriminate based on gender. This October, do more than wear a pink ribbon to support breast cancer.

Share this blog and spread awareness to everyone you know, especially your near and dear ones. You never know who might need to read this and get inspired or motivated to get themselves tested. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer for everyone.

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Also read: 5 Best Human Hair Wigs for Cancer Patients