What You Need To Know About Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer in men accounts for less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer. But because breast cancer is so common, that still amounts to about 2,700 cases in the United States every year.
The current treatments for men with breast cancer are largely based on what doctors have learned from treating women. But that is changing, thanks to a comprehensive research program from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and several leading international breast cancer research groups.
Men with breast cancer receive expert care when they come to MSK. “One of the first questions men with breast cancer ask me is: ‘How many patients with this have you treated?’ ” says breast oncologist Ayca Gucalp, who is leading the research efforts in male breast cancer at MSK. “The ability to say, ‘Well, for example, today alone I saw three other men with breast cancer,’ is the biggest reassurance I can give them.”
As we continue to learn more about male breast cancer, here is what Dr. Gucalp says people should know.
What are the risk factors for male breast cancer?
Aging is the primary risk factor for breast cancer in men as well as in women, says Dr. Gucalp. However, men tend to develop the disease in their late 60s or 70s, which on average is 5 to 10 years later than women.
Increased amounts of the hormone estrogen — above the low level that is normal for men — as well as decreased levels of testosterone can also result in a higher risk for male breast cancer. These altered hormone levels may be the result of chromosomal disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome; certain conditions that affect the testicles; liver dysfunction; or medications that affect the balance of hormones, including some drugs used to treat prostate cancer. An alteration of hormone levels can also occur in transgender women who take or have taken estrogen hormones.
