Number Of Male Breast Cancer Cases Increases: Here's What You Should Know

As the cases of male breast cancer in India increased at a rapid rate, it is imperative to create awareness around the same. Breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer seen in women.

The incidence of male breast cancer is estimated at around 0.5 to 1 percent of all cases of breast cancer.

According to various recent studies, the incidence of the rare male malignancy is increasing, thus there is a need to spread awareness regarding male breast cancer.

Since men tend to ignore the occurrence of any lumps or swelling in their breasts, the breast cancer is typically diagnosed in the later stages and can turn fatal.

The diagnosis of breast cancer can be done via a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy.

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Male Breast Cancer

According to a 2020 survey conducted by Goyal et.al, around 81 percent of men surveyed were unaware of the signs of male breast cancer and what measures could be taken for timely detection.

If breast cancer is detected in the earlier stages then it is possible to treat it promptly.

Dr Kunjal Patel, molecular oncopathologist at Neuberg Centre for Genomic Centre spoke with Indian Express about breast cancer.

Patel said that male breast is considered to be a disease of elderly men as “the risk usually starts from the age of 60 and increases as the age advances”.

The doctor added that we are in the era of “early intervention and precision medicine”. Thus, it is imperative to understand the risk factors, prognosis, and early management of breast cancer.

She also mentioned that in most cases, male breast cancer is seen with a positive family history of cancer, advanced age, high levels of estrogen, and certain chromosomal abnormalities.

Dr Patel advised screening for breast cancer and emphasised that people with a positive family history should screen for breast cancer. She added that screening for breast cancer helps get a diagnosis even before the disease develops, which in turn can help lower the advancement of cancer and get appropriate treatment.