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More men die of breast cancer than testicle cancer.
Yes, you read that right.
Every year, more men in the UK die of breast cancer than of testicular cancer. And the numbers - although small - are growing.
Many people are unaware that men can develop breast cancer because they do not think of men as having breasts. In fact, both men and women have breast tissue. Currently there are almost 46,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK each year, around 300 of whom are men.
Causes
The causes of breast cancer in men are not completely known. However, there are some factors that might increase your risk:
increasing age - men who get breast cancer are usually over 60
exposure to radiation - previous radiotherapy treatment can slightly increase risk
obesity - more significant in men over the age of 35
genetic link - first degree relatives with a history of cancer at a young age
high oestrogen levels - as a result of long term liver damage, and other conditions
Kleinfelter's syndrome - a rare hereditary condition that can increase breast cancer risk.
Symptoms
The earlier breast cancer is treated the better, so it is important to get any symptoms checked out as soon as possible.
Common symptoms include:
lump around the nipple or any other area of the breast
nipple discharge (may be bloodstained)
tender or drawn in nipple
ulceration or swelling of the breast
Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Diagnosis
Once you have seen your GP you will be referred to a hospital where you will be seen first by a doctor or specialist nurse. At the clinic you will have triple assessment. This means a breast examination, a mammogram or ultrasound scan, and a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or core biopsy.
Information
You may be disappointed and frustrated to find that most information available on breast cancer is specific to women. For example, much of the information talks about practical issues such as bras after surgery or the menopause after chemotherapy, which is not relevant to men.
The people who have the most information about your cancer are those in the medical team looking after you. If you have questions, it may help to write them down and make a list, with the most important ones at the top. Ask whoever you feel most comfortable with your specialist, your breast care nurse, or someone else in the team. If they dont know the answer, they should be able to find it out for you.
Yes, you read that right.
Every year, more men in the UK die of breast cancer than of testicular cancer. And the numbers - although small - are growing.
Many people are unaware that men can develop breast cancer because they do not think of men as having breasts. In fact, both men and women have breast tissue. Currently there are almost 46,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK each year, around 300 of whom are men.
Causes
The causes of breast cancer in men are not completely known. However, there are some factors that might increase your risk:
increasing age - men who get breast cancer are usually over 60
exposure to radiation - previous radiotherapy treatment can slightly increase risk
obesity - more significant in men over the age of 35
genetic link - first degree relatives with a history of cancer at a young age
high oestrogen levels - as a result of long term liver damage, and other conditions
Kleinfelter's syndrome - a rare hereditary condition that can increase breast cancer risk.
Symptoms
The earlier breast cancer is treated the better, so it is important to get any symptoms checked out as soon as possible.
Common symptoms include:
lump around the nipple or any other area of the breast
nipple discharge (may be bloodstained)
tender or drawn in nipple
ulceration or swelling of the breast
Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Diagnosis
Once you have seen your GP you will be referred to a hospital where you will be seen first by a doctor or specialist nurse. At the clinic you will have triple assessment. This means a breast examination, a mammogram or ultrasound scan, and a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or core biopsy.
Information
You may be disappointed and frustrated to find that most information available on breast cancer is specific to women. For example, much of the information talks about practical issues such as bras after surgery or the menopause after chemotherapy, which is not relevant to men.
The people who have the most information about your cancer are those in the medical team looking after you. If you have questions, it may help to write them down and make a list, with the most important ones at the top. Ask whoever you feel most comfortable with your specialist, your breast care nurse, or someone else in the team. If they dont know the answer, they should be able to find it out for you.