Male Breast Cancer

Most people associate breast cancer with women. Unfortunately, breast cancer is not contained just to women. Men can also get breast cancer, even though approximately 99% of all breast cancer cases occur in women. But one question that many men have is whether men with man boobs, or Gynecomastia, are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than men who do not have man boobs.

When a man has risk factors for male breast cancer, the breast tissues may start developing cancer cells, and he may get breast cancer. There is no age requisite for male breast cancer to occur, however, men between 60 years to 70 years of age are most vulnerable. Exposure to radiation is a common male breast cancer risk factor. Also, the risk goes high if there is a family history of breast cancer. Men with Klinefelter's disease and cirrhosis have high risks too. Klinefelter's is when a man abnormally has two X chromosomes instead of one. Cirrhosis comes with high levels of estrogen, which is a big male breast cancer risk factor. Also, men with weight and alcohol problems are more prone to developing breast cancer.

About 30% cases of male breast cancer are due to heredity, compared to just 5% to 10% in females. Breast cancer genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of men developing breast cancer, if the genes show defects or mutation. Genetic mutation is usually not inherited, and is acquired during the course of your life. Radiation therapies or operations may be one cause for these mutations.

Breast cancer in men is diagnosed in the same way as women are diagnosed. With regard to treatment, there are a number of treatments available to men who have the disease. These include surgery (modified mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Studies have also shown that the survival rates of men with breast cancer are similar to the survival rates among women.

Research has shown that approximately 40% of the men who develop man boobs will also develop breast cancer. Those are staggering numbers, and because that number is so high, it is vital that any male who develops man boobs seek treatment from his health care provider. It is also important for any man, even if he doesn't have man boobs, to be aware of the signs of breast cancer.

Again, it is important for every man to be aware of the symptoms which include a lump in the breast, nipple discharge, a retracted nipple, and/or ulcerations on the breast. It is important to note that lumps that indicate breast cancer will not be painful, which is why they are often ignored by men.

Ironically, while men who have man boobs are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than men who do not, those who do have male boobs have a greater chance of survival. This is because if you have man boobs, the cancer will typically be further away from the chest cavity, reducing the speed at which the cancer spreads, whereas if you do not have man boobs, the cancer is right next to the chest cavity, and the cancer spreads quickly.