Growth of malignant cells in the breast tissues of men is known as male breast cancer. Male breast cancer can occur in men of any age, although most of the cases diagnosed are in men aged between 60 and 70 years. The risk factors for male breast cancer include exposure to radiations beyond the safety limit, heredity, that is to say, a family history of breast cancer, and high levels of estrogen, which diseases like cirrhosis, a liver disease, brings. Klinefelter's syndrome - the abnormal presence of two X chromosomes with one Y chromosome - is a big risk factor, too. Mutation of genes also increases the risk of developing male breast cancer. Obesity and alcoholism are other common causes.



About 30% cases of male breast cancer are due to heredity, compared to just 5% to 10% in females. Breast cancer genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of men developing breast cancer, if the genes show defects or mutation. Genetic mutation is usually not inherited, and is acquired during the course of your life. Radiation therapies or operations may be one cause for these mutations.

Men show similar symptoms as women when it comes to breast cancer, like a lump in the breast, the peau d'orange syndrome, where the skin of the breast appears indented, like that of an orange, fluid discharge from nipples, thickness of breasts, change in breast size and skin around the nipples, and the breast skin appearing red.

If you think you have a chance of developing breast cancer, get your breast clinically examined regularly. The best method for diagnosis is always a biopsy. Mammograms, ultrasounds, and examination of your nipple discharge can also be done, to detect lumps and cancer cell presence. If you are diagnosed with the cancer, do get your tissue tested for the presence of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone, since these hormones increase cancer activity, and can be removed by treatments.

In situ or non-invasive breast cancer means your cancer is confined to the breasts and has not spread out. A mastectomy in this case almost cures you. You can also have invasive breast cancer, where the cancer cells have spread outside the original site. There are stages of invasive breast cancer, where Stage I is very treatable, and means that your tissues still somewhat have their natural structure and perform natural functions, where as Stage IV means the cancer has metastasized to other organs. Treatment heavily depends on the stage of advancement of your cancer, then.

Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy are adopted to control cancer growth in the last stage, when total cure becomes difficult. For all other stages, treating male breast cancer is hardly different from treating female breast cancer.

A healthy lifestyle throughout your life, with minimal alcohol intake increases your chances of survival ten folds. Early detection is also pivotal to high survival rates. Telling your closest friends and family members is necessary. If you try to hide your disease, even from your children, you will take undue stress up on yourself. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest during your treatment, and it is never a shame to ask friends or family for any sort of help or support that you might need. Your cancer is curable.