This is why Men should be serious about Breast Cancer

The Ghana Journalists Association-Volta is collaborating with Miracle Life Hospital to create awareness on breast cancer. The attached research focuses on male breast cancer. The Male Breast Cancer Study In 2007 we launched the Male Breast Cancer Study. Read more about the study and it’s findings. What is the Male Breast Cancer Study? Breast cancer in men is very rare, but around 370 men are diagnosed with the disease every year in the UK, and around 80 men die. The Male Breast Cancer Study was established to pinpoint the precise genetic, environmental and lifestyle causes of breast cancer in men, which will enable us to identify those who are at risk and understand what can be done to lower the chances of developing the disease. The study also aims to identify similarities and differences between breast cancer in men and women.   Who is taking part in the study? Over 1,000 men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are participating in the Male Breast Cancer Study, as well as over 1,000 men without breast cancer. Each participant provides blood samples to enable researchers to analyse differences in their DNA, and has answered detailed questionnaires regarding their lifestyle and medical history. The study is being led by Professor Olivia Fletcher at the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre and Professor Richard Houlston at the Institute of Cancer Research, who are also analysing the data gathered from the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study to understand the causes of breast cancer in women. The Breast Cancer Now Male Breast Cancer Study is the largest collection of DNA and tumour samples from men with breast cancer in the world. We hope that by analysing data generated from these samples we’ll be able to understand what causes male breast cancer, how it differs from female breast cancer and how best to treat it.   What have we found out so far? There are genes linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in men We know that around 10% of breast cancer cases in men are caused by altered BRCA2 genes. But The Male Breast Cancer Study aims to use the DNA samples provided by participants to find out which other genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. It has helped researchers to find a key genetic change in a genece called RAD51B linked breast cancer in men. This single change can increase the risk fo breast cancer by up to 50%.   Recently, the study found three more genetic changes that increased the risk of developing breast cancer in men by approximately 47%, 45% and 61% respectively. All three changes are also known to affect the risk of the disease in women, so researchers then analysed whether male and female breast cancer has similar genetic causes. They found that there was a significant overlap in genetic risk factors for breast cancer in men and women. Read our news story on these findings.   Obesity in men increases the risk of developing breast cancer The study has also contributed to global investigations into the causes of male breast cancer through the Male Breast Cancer Pooling Project. This project has identified that obesity in men increases the risk of developing breast cancer by around 30%. In future, these findings could help identify men who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer and lead to new preventive treatments. Find out the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men.

1. Can men get breast cancer?

Many people don’t know that men can get breast cancer because they don’t think of men as having breasts. But men do have a small amount of breast tissue. Breast cancer in men is cancer that starts in this small amount of breast tissue. Breast cancer in men is very rare. Around 370 men are diagnosed each year in the UK. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, although younger men can be affected.

2. Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer

A lump in the chest area The most common symptom is a lump in the chest area which is often painless. Other symptoms of male breast cancer may include: Liquid, sometimes called discharge, that comes from the nipple without squeezing and which may be blood-stained A tender or inverted (pulled in) nipple Ulcers (sores) on the chest or nipple area Swelling of the chest area and occasionally the lymph nodes under the arm What to do if you notice a symptom If you notice a change to your breast tissue or nipple, see your GP as soon as you can. You should also report any changes up to the collarbone or in in the armpit.   Men’s breast tissue can also become enlarged because of a benign (not cancer) condition called gynaecomastia.  

3. Causes of breast cancer in men

The exact causes of breast cancer in men are not fully understood, but certain things increase the risk. The Male Breast Cancer Study is looking at what might cause breast cancer in men. Age Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, although younger men can be affected. High oestrogen levels There’s some evidence that men are at greater risk if they have higher than normal levels of the hormone oestrogen. All men have a small amount of oestrogen. High oestrogen levels can occur in men because of: Long-term liver damage, particularly cirrhosis Obesity (being very overweight) Some genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome Radiation Men who have had previous radiotherapy to the chest, for example to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, may have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer.   Family history A small number of men have a significant family history of breast cancer. This may be because they inherited an altered gene that increases the risk of breast cancer. The most common altered genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA2 is more commonly associated with breast cancer in men. If you have an altered gene, your risk of breast cancer (and possibly other cancers) increases. However, the increased risk of breast cancer is still low and less than women in the general population. If you have children, they will have a 50% chance of inheriting the altered gene. If you’re concerned about your family history, the first step is to talk to your GP.  

4. Diagnosis

See your GP if you have any symptoms of breast cancer. Your GP will examine you. They’ll then follow a set of guidelines to decide whether to refer you to a breast clinic, and how urgently you should be seen.   What to expect at the breast clinic Your visit to the breast clinic may take several hours. You can take a partner, close friend or relative with you for company or support. Some people prefer to go on their own. A doctor or specialist nurse will ask you about your symptoms You may be asked to fill in a short questionnaire including questions about any family history of breast problems and any medication you’re taking. You will have an examination The doctor or nurse will check the breast tissue on both sides. As part of the examination it’s usual to examine the lymph nodes under your arm and around your neck. You may need further tests These will usually include one or more of the following: A mammogram (x-ray of the breast tissue) An ultrasound scan (using sound waves to produce an image) A core biopsy of the breast tissue and sometimes lymph nodes (using a hollow needle to take a sample of tissue to be looked at under a microscope – several tissue samples may be taken at the same time) A fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the breast tissue and sometimes lymph nodes (using a fine needle and syringe to take a sample of cells to be looked at under a microscope) Getting your results The breast clinic staff will let you know how and when you’ll get your results. If all your tests are done in a one-stop clinic, some of the results may be available later that day, but if you have a core biopsy this will take longer. Or you may be given further appointments to complete your tests and get the results. Your results will also be sent to your GP, and you can ask for a copy of the letter to be sent to you. It may be a good idea to have someone with you when you get your results. They can support you, should you need it, and may think of questions that hadn’t occurred to you and remember things you may forget. It may be useful to write down any information you want to remember later.     If you have breast cancer If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer you’ll be told if it is early breast cancer, also known as primary breast cancer, or if breast cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, known as secondary or metastatic breast cancer. You’ll also be given more detailed information that will help your specialist team decide which treatments to recommend. You’ll be introduced to a breast care nurse who will talk to you about your diagnosis and treatment. They will offer you support and written information and can be a point of contact throughout your treatment and afterwards. When you’re a man with breast cancer, it can be hard to find people who understand. That’s why there’s a space just for men on our online discussion Forum.  It’s a confidential area where you can share tips and information, and talk about what’s on your mind, with other men who really get it.  

5. Treatment for breast cancer in men

There are various treatments available for men with breast cancer.  

6. Coping with breast cancer

If your results show you have breast cancer, you may feel a range of emotions such as shock, fear, disbelief, anger, guilt and sadness. You may find it hard to take in or believe what you are being told. Try not to keep your feelings to yourself or cope on your own. There are people who can support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find out more about the emotional effects of breast cancer and coping with stress and anxiety. Telling other people As breast cancer is usually associated with women you may feel embarrassed about discussing your diagnosis. Talking openly about your cancer may be difficult, especially at first, but it may make it easier for people to support you. Talking is also part of the process of adjusting to what has happened. If you tell everyone you know, however, you might be overwhelmed or shocked by their reactions. Who you tell and how you tell them is up to you. Some people will find it difficult to know what to say to you. If you can bring the subject up first it may help put them at ease while also making it easier for you.   Telling people the basic facts about your diagnosis and options for treatment can be a good way to begin and may lead naturally to talking about how you are feeling. Finding support Family and friends can be a good source of support. It’s helpful for family and friends to know how you want to deal with things and how they can best respond to your needs.   You can talk to your breast care nurse, treatment team or GP about any concerns you have.   SOURCE: https://breastcancernow.org Photo credit: GJA-Volta