The stigma around breast cancer needs to end because it affects men and women equally. Men should be aware of potential indicators and hazards of breast cancer, just as we would naturally want to address warning symptoms of other diseases.
To keep your loved ones informed and to increase the odds of early detection and survival, share this information with them.

The earlier male breast cancer is diagnosed, like with all cancers, the better.

Here are five quick facts regarding male breast cancer that every guy should know since it isn't usually on most men's minds.

1. Male breast cancer rates are increasing
A reported 1% incidence of breast cancer in men makes it a rare disorder. Male breast cancer is not frequently reported due to its rarity, particularly in the Asian community, although studies indicate that the prevalence is rising.

In fact, according to one study, the incidence of breast cancer in men has grown by 25% over the past 25 years. The same study also discovered that men were more likely than women to have breast cancer that was at a more advanced stage when they were diagnosed.

2. Older men are more likely to develop male breast cancer
Male breast cancer can strike at any age, but as a man gets older, his risk increases. Men in their 60s are most frequently diagnosed with it.

Although there are methods for screening males for breast cancer, the general public is unlikely to benefit from them because the disease is so uncommon. This is why it's critical for men to be aware of the symptoms of male breast cancer and to take any worrying signals seriously.

3. A man's likelihood of getting breast cancer is increased by genetics and family history.
Male breast cancer can have a hereditary component or inheritance pattern, just like female breast cancer.

A male is more likely to have breast cancer if one of the BRCA genes has a mutation. Although not always, these mutations are frequently inherited.

4. Similar to breast cancer in women, male breast cancer frequently manifests as a lump.
Other symptoms of male breast cancer include apparent changes to the skin.

Men and their doctors can detect a lump far more easily than women since men have less breast tissue than women. Having less tissue, however, also indicates that the cancer won't have to become very big before it spreads outside of the breast. This is why it's so important for men to report lumps they feel, no matter how little or unimportant they may seem.

5. Even though breast lumps aren't usually cancer, they nevertheless need to be examined.
Although you may usually feel a lump in your breast when you have male breast cancer, not all breast lumps are malignant.

Male breast cancer is less prevalent than gynecomastia, a benign increase of breast tissue that can feel and seem like a tiny growth. However, even if feeling a breast lump isn't always a reason for concern, it shouldn't be disregarded.

Despite the fact that men don't actually have breasts, they do have breast tissue in their chests. Breast cancer develops when breast cells mutate and create a tumor that is malignant and has the potential to spread to other body areas.

There have been numerous program to prevent and raise awareness of breast cancer, but few are directed at men.


Reference:
1. https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/oct/5-facts-every-guy-should-know-about-male-breast-cancer/
2. https://www.halza.com/zh/breast-cancer/male-breast-cancer/