Can men get breast cancer, how common is it and how do you know if you have it?
MANY people believe that breast cancer affects only women - but men can get it too.
The chances of getting the disease are much rarer than with females, but here is everything you need to know about how to detect it and what to do next.
Can a man get breast cancer?
Breast cancer is often considered a condition that just affects women, however men can be diagnosed with the disease as well.
The causes of breast cancer are unclear, but a number of factors can increase the likelihood of developing it.
These include obesity where the BMI is over 30 or individuals who have a family history of breast cancer in either males or females.
Age plays a part in the chances of developing breast cancer, with the majority of cases affecting men over 60.
How common is breast cancer in men?
The figures of men who have breast cancer are much lower than women, with around 350 to 400 cases occurring in the UK each year.
There is typically one new case of breast cancer diagnosed in every 100,000 men annually.
How do you know if you have breast cancer?
The most common symptom is a hard but painless lump in one of the breasts.
It is usually located underneath the nipple and dark-coloured skin surrounding the nipple, which is known as the areola.
Breast cancer in men can also cause nipples to retract and turn in on themselves or to leak nipple discharge.
Another less common symptom is the nipple becoming inflamed or looking sore.
Seven symptoms of breast cancer in men
- Change in breast size or shape
- Redness or a rash
- Nipple discharge
- Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
- Change in skin texture
- An inverted nipped
- Constant pain
How can you reduce your risk of developing breast cancer?
There are a number of ways to lower your risk, including maintaining a healthy weight.
This can be achieved through exercising regularly and consuming a healthy diet.
Lowering your alcohol intake to 14 units or less a week can also help.
One unit is approximately half a pint of lager or a single measure of spirits.
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What do you do if you think you have breast cancer?
You should always speak to your GP if you find a lump in your breast, or have issues such as nipple discharge.
In many cases, the symptoms are unlikely to be breast cancer but it is important to investigate further.
The majority of non-cancerous lumps found in the breast are caused by gynaecomastia.
Men with gynaecomastia or ‘man boobs’ as it is sometimes known, can have enlarged breast tissue and is a common condition.