While breast cancer is often perceived as primarily affecting women, it’s important to note men also face this serious health issue, albeit at much lower rates. October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a stark reminder of the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding male breast cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 0.5–1 percent of breast cancer cases happen to men, which may seem small but still translates to thousands of cases yearly across the globe. Dr. Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant at Apollo Cancer Centres, emphasized this reality, saying, "Despite its rarity, breast cancer in men is often diagnosed later than in women. Many men are unaware they can develop breast cancer, which leads to delayed detection. Early detection can significantly improve survival rates." This highlights the urgent need for education and awareness.
One of the most challenging aspects of diagnosing male breast cancer is the stigma attached to it. Dr. Sarin pointed out, "Many men feel embarrassed or emasculated by a diagnosis traditionally associated with women. This stigma can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which could worsen outcomes." Indeed, the wrong associations can deter many from seeking the help they need.
The most prevalent form of breast cancer found in men is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which originates in the ducts and spreads to surrounding tissues. Other forms include invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), Paget’s disease of the nipple, and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is non-invasive. Recognizing the symptoms early can be life-saving.
Just like women, men should be vigilant about potential warning signs of breast cancer. According to Dr. Sarin, symptoms include lumps or thickening tissues within the breast, changes to the skin covering the breast—such as dimpling, redness, or scaling—and changes to the nipple, including redness or scaling, or nipple discharge. He cautioned, "It's important to know most breast lumps are not cancerous, but any unusual changes should be evaluated by healthcare professionals."
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including age, family history, genetic mutations, prior radiation exposure, liver disease, and obesity. Dr. Anshuman Kumar, Director of Surgical Oncology at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, advised adopting healthier lifestyles and minimizing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. He stated, "Processed foods, particularly when warmed up in plastic containers, release harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which contribute to disrupting hormonal balances and might lead to cancer risks. Irregular eating habits and exposure to various environmental toxins also play significant roles."
Experts agree on the pivotal role of public awareness and campaigns to destigmatize male breast cancer. "We need to encourage men to understand they can develop breast cancer just like women can," Dr. Kumar stressed. Education initiatives could lead to more men being reconized and prompted to check for signs, fostering earlier diagnoses and interventions.
Social media campaigns, health seminars, and community outreach programs can help dismantle the stigma surrounding male breast cancer. For example, including positive narratives and testimonials from male survivors can powerfully resonate with other men, fostering much-needed conversations and awareness around this taboo topic.
This October, as the world turns its focus toward breast cancer awareness, it's time to recognize the nuances and challenges faced by men. The stigma must be reduced, and awareness elevated to save lives and improve outcomes for all individuals affected by breast cancer. Health systems, educators, and community leaders must collaborate to normalize these discussions and empower men to take control of their health.
