Breast
Cancer is not only a female disease since it is found in men as well. Although
the risk factor is just one percentage of all breast cancer cases, there has
been 2,360 new cases in the U.S. diagnosed among men. About 430 men are expected to die from breast
cancer this year (“What are the key statistics about breast cancer”, 2014). At
puberty, the female hormones in the ovaries cause the ducts to grow; meanwhile,
another kind of male hormone secreted in the testes will suppress the growth of
the breast ducts. Thus, this type of cancer is less common in men. Like other
cells of the body, this cell will undergo a dramatic change and become abnormal
in appearance and behavior.
Most
men go undiagnosed, which is often detected at an advanced stage since men refuse
to believe they might get breast cancer and tend to ignore the signs of symptoms.
A lump with a pea sized on the chest area is one of the most common signs. In addition,
redness and rash on the nipple or nipple discharge can be noticeable as a
warning sign of breast cancer.
“Breast
cancer is not always pink,” according to “When men get Breast Cancer” article in
the New York Times magazine. The types of this cancer in men are the same as in
women, and the survival rate is the same in both genders if it is found at an
early stage. Some of the factors are considered as a contribution to breast
cancer in man such as the high level of estrogen, the gene mutation, chronic
liver disorder, obesity or radiation early in life. Even though ductal cancer
can be related to family history of breast cancer, a lot of cases happen
without any inheritance trails (“What is breast cancer in men”,2014).
Dr. Oliver Bogler, a cancer biologist has
shared his thought on the magazine after he was diagnosed with breast cancer, “I was surprised to learn how little
awareness there was for men.” He added, “Breast cancer is skewed toward women,
but it’s not just a woman’s cancer” (“When Men get Breast Cancer”, 2014). Men will be unlikely to get this type of
cancer, yet there should be more awareness raised among men who may not realize
a lump on their chest which is one of many signs of this type of cancer. In
addition, the tendency of men to have breast examination is rare, which has
contributed to a higher mortality rate for men after being diagnosed with the disease
often at the progressed stage. Should the men have Breast check as a part of a Physical exam?
References:
Breast Cancer in Men.(2014). American Cancer
Society. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancerinmen/detailedguide/breast-cancer-in-men-what-is-breast-cancer-in-men
Komen,S. Do men get breast cancer? Retrieved
from http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedfiles/content_binaries/806-320a.pdf
Male Breast Cancer(2014). MedicineNet. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/male_breast_cancer/article.htm#male_breast_cancer_facts
Parker-Pope,T.(2014). When Men get Breast
Cancer. Well. Retrieved from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/24/when-men-get-breast-cancer/?_php=true&_type=blogs&module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar&_r=0
What are the key statistics about breast cancer in men?(2014). Retrieved from
What are the key statistics about breast cancer in men?(2014). Retrieved from
Hey Yen,
ReplyDeleteInteresting read. I know this is uncommon in men but the statistics are still pretty staggering.
Hey Yen,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. I remember one time I was volunteering at this event called the Chocolate Festival. At that festival there was a man who was telling about his experience with breast cancer. He was telling us that when he was first diagnosed with breast cancer, he laughed at first because he thought this was only for women. Then he realized that no, this can happen to both genders. I don't remember if he underwent surgery or chemotherapy. However I do remember that later his wife got breast cancer. Soon after that he got breast cancer again in the opposite side.
Just like you said there should be more awareness raised among men. Again great blog! I very much enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one
Yen
ReplyDeleteVery nice article and a little bit scary too. I never thought of the existence of breast cancer in men however your blog has an eye opening information. Because there is valuable information in your article and encourages to do more research on topic and I found out many interesting thing. Saying in addition to what you were saying as men usually don’t think about the breast cancer and this might be the last thing for them to worry about, but if they find it, It’s usually too late. Also the average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is about 68.
Hi Yen,
ReplyDeleteI knew men could get breast cancer like women but I had no idea that hundreds died each year. I am not surprised that there is little awareness as breast cancer is thought of as a woman’s disease by many in society. I did not know that a lump could be cancerous or could be a symptom of breast cancer. It is very unusual for a man to get breast cancer. As a result I am sure they would not know what a lump means and would not get the medical attention they need. What would be the best away to raise awareness among men at risk for breast cancer?
Joe
Yen,
ReplyDeleteI think you chose a very important topic because most people do not pay attention to how serious breast cancer relevance is for men. I feel like you incorporated a lot of important information in your blog post and the references were very well chosen. A simple lump in a man’s breast can be life threatening and I had no idea that hundreds of men died from breast cancer every year! I think that the public needs to make this a more relevant topic to everybody because women are always so encouraged to get mammograms when they hit a certain age and to always get check ups related to breast cancer possibilities but you barely ever hear about the same urgency for men. As a result, it is very easily ignored and can be detected at a late stage and cause death. Great blog topic!
Yen,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic which is not usually discussed because of the low numbers of men actually disagnosed and the stygma attached to it. However, any disease, especially one that sufferers may not want to admit they have, are worth discussing. It may be a good idea for the breast cancer groups that currently raise funding for the disease to also begin to incorporate the idea that men can also get it so that all sufferers feel included.
I believe men should have a breast check as a part of a physical exam. Although rare, I think that it’s better safe than sorry. Men would regret the fact that they did not have the exam if they found out that they had breast cancer in the later stages and was too late. Females have to have a breast exam and a pelvic exam to ensure their health as well as men having a prostate exam. Taking an extra five minutes in the doctor’s office to have a breast check can save your life and I believe that is invaluable. Your post is very informative and pulling at my heart strings. This is a major overlooked issue and I believe every word that was shared. I enjoy the touches of adding the blue to the breast cancer ribbons.
ReplyDelete