

Routine testing for the faulty genes that cause breast cancer in men isn't usually carried out on the NHS, unless specifically requested by a specialist. There's also evidence that breast cancer can run in families, especially in men who have a first-degree relative who has developed breast cancer, such as a mother or sister. The most significant mutation identified is known as the BRCA2 mutation. There are a number of genetic mutations known to increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Genetics and family historyĪ genetic mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. The result is that one or more of the body's processes may not work in the way they should. It's rare for young men to develop the condition. Most cases are diagnosed in men aged 60 to 70. Like many cancers, men have an increased risk of developing breast cancer as they get older. It's not clear exactly what causes breast cancer in men, although a number of things can increase your risk of developing the condition. These problems are unlikely to be of the result of breast cancer, but they should be investigated further. You should always visit your GP if you notice a lump in your breast or you have problems affecting your nipples, such as retraction, ulceration or discharge.
Weird boob shapes skin#
itchy skin with yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).swelling of the lymph nodes (glands), usually in or around the armpit.Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer include: This is known as metastatic breast cancer. fluid leaking from the nipple (nipple discharge)Īdditional symptoms usually only develop if the cancer spreads from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver or lungs.the nipple becoming hard and inflamed, and looking sore (nipple ulceration).the nipple beginning to turn in on itself (nipple retraction).Less common symptoms of male breast cancer include: This is a common non-cancerous condition where male breast tissue becomes enlarged. However, the vast majority of breast lumps are caused by a condition called gynaecomastia. The lump is usually located underneath the nipple and areola (the circle of dark-coloured skin surrounding the nipple). The main symptom of breast cancer in men is a hard lump in one of your breasts. maintain a healthy weight – through a combination of eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.The most effective way of reducing your risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other serious health conditions, is to: Read more about diagnosing breast cancer in men. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already started to spread. The survival rates for breast cancer in men largely depend on how far the cancer has spread before it's diagnosed.īreast cancer diagnosed at an early stage can often be treated successfully, but effective treatment is more difficult if the cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue. This is because there's reduced awareness of the condition and it may take longer to diagnose. The outlook for breast cancer is not as good in men as in women. Read more about treating breast cancer in men Outlook In some cases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used for the same purpose. It should help prevent the cancer returning. Tamoxifen helps block the effects of hormones known to stimulate the growth of cancerous cells in breast tissue. This may be followed by a long-term course of hormone-blocking therapy using medication, usually a drug called tamoxifen. In most cases, surgery is used to remove the cancer, along with a section of the breast. Read more about causes of breast cancer in men Treating breast cancer in men obesity – a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.having a family history of breast cancer (male or female).


The cause of male breast cancer is unclear, but factors known to increase your chances of developing the condition include: While these symptoms are unlikely to be caused by breast cancer, they should be investigated further. You should always talk to your GP if you notice a lump in your breast or you have problems affecting your nipples, such as discharge.
