Written by Nancy Johnson, LPN Training and Special Projects Nurse
Breast cancer in men is rare, but to the 1% of men it affects it is a real, life-threatening illness. Even though the chances of a man developing this form of cancer are slim, no one wants to be a statistic. Be proactive by knowing the risk factors, including:
· Family history of breast cancer
· Inherited or acquired gene mutation(BRCA2)
· Diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome
· Radiation exposure, especially to the chest
· Cirrhosis
Also, exam your chest and be aware of the symptoms of male breast cancer, which include:
· Changes to the nipple (bleeding, discharge, turning inward)
· A lump in the chest or underarm
· Changes to the skin on the chest (puckering, scaling or discoloration)
If you believe you are at risk or notice changes on your chest or underarms, please notify your doctor. Cancer does not discriminate. For more information on men’s health please go to www.PCHC.org.
Resources:
Male breast cancer.Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 1). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9011-male-breast-cancer