Cancer in men while rare, it does happen || Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that approximately one out of every 100 diagnosed U.S. breast cancer cases is in a man? While rare, it does happen. According to the Center for Disease Control, the most common symptoms are a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, nipple discharge, and pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

While treatment for breast cancer is the same for men as for women, risk factors can be a little different. They include older age, genetic mutations, family history of the disease, history of radiation or hormone therapy, Klinefelter syndrome, conditions that affect the testicles, liver disease, and obesity.

Men with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or who have a family member with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, should share that information with their provider so that he or she can help guide you on any potential steps for genetic testing and early detection. Living a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight and getting in regular physical activity, can help all men lower their risk for the disease.

Source:  Paris Regional Medical Center