MALE BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS: EDUCATION AND EARLY DETECTION A PATHWAY TO REDUCTION

Male Breast Cancer Symptoms are just as easily detectable as they would be in women. The only problem is, men typically do not recognize symptoms because they simply aren’t looking for them. If male breast cancer symptoms are detected early, there is the potential for a great treatment response.

Some male breast cancer symptoms include bleeding from the nipple, painless lump formations, changes to the skin around the breast area, changes to the nipple area, and discharge from the nipple. If cancer becomes more advanced and metastasizes, symptoms like increased bone pain, sickness, weakness, and even noticeable weight loss will occur.

Male breast cancer symptoms are typical in those over between the ages of 60 and 70 years old; however, it isn’t impossible to develop male breast cancer symptoms at any age. On average, 2000 men a year develop this form of cancer and approximately 450 die each year due to this form of cancer. This is probably due to the fact that since such a small percentage develops this form of cancer, there is little in the media that would prompt males to do self-examinations. Since so many take it for granted that they will not develop this form, the detection rate is extremely low until it is too late.

To date, nothing has been pinpointed as to the direct cause of male breast cancer. However, many factors exist that point in the direction of certain predispositions to this. These include family history; high levels of estrogen, even cirrhosis of the liver can be a determining factor.

The dangerous part about detecting cancer early is the fact that many males who have this form of cancer may not even notice the symptoms.

For example, if you are a man who is physically fit and works on your pectoral muscles a lot, you probably wouldn’t necessarily notice or even recognize the difference between a small lump formation and your hardened pectoral muscles. Alternatively, if you are an overweight male, you may not detect it for other reasons. The fact of the matter is, aesthetics have little to do with actually having male breast cancer. Cancer just happens to be one disease that does not discriminate.

The good thing is, male breast cancer is rare, accounting for only about 1% of breast cancer cases. No one wants to be in that percentage. However, presuming that you are, you want to give yourself the best chances of survival.

Yes, men have breast tissue, not unlike a prepubescent female. With this fact in mind, men should take the proper precautions to promote early detection. This can only really be done by removing the stigma associated with the fact that it is “breast cancer”. The best way to catch male breast cancer symptoms is to do what you would advise your mother, sister, daughter or girlfriend-go to the doctor.
Do a self-breast exam. It may be embarrassing, but it is your life. Like you would with any other form of cancer, it is up to you to take control and be proactive in the fight against male breast cancer.