December 2008 - Featured Articles

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Male Breast Cancer
By Joette Lees

In 2008 The American Cancer Society predicts that for approximately every 100 women with breast cancer, 1 man will develop the disease. The male breast is similar in characteristics to the preadolescent girl's breast. Statistics show that the chances for successful treatment and survival are best when breast cancer is found in its earliest stages. Statistics also show that more men will die from breast cancer than women because they are typically diagnosed at a later stage.

Breast cancer isn't just a woman's disease. Men also have breast tissue that can undergo cancerous changes. Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer increase the chances for recovery.

The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump or thickening in the breast. Often the lump is painless. Many people excuse it as a weight lifting injury. Other male breast cancer symptoms include:

- Skin dimpling or puckering.
- Development of a new retraction or indentation of the nipple.
- Changes in the nipple or breast skin, such as scaling or redness.
- Nipple discharge; clear or bloody.
- Small painful lump usually beneath the areola (dark circle around the nipple).
- Palpable lymph nodes in the armpit.

Having one or even several risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll get cancer. Some men with more than one risk factor never get breast cancer, whereas others with no identifiable risk factors do.

Factors that may make a man more susceptible to breast cancer include:

Age - breast cancer increases with age.

Family history - such as a mother or sister; nearly 20 percent of breast cancers are inherited. Defects in one of several genes, especially BRCA1 or BRCA2 put you at greater risk of developing breast and prostate cancers.

Socioeconomic Status - higher in graduates, professionals and managers

Testicular Disorders - physical, infection or injury

Gynecomastia - excessive growth of male mammary glands

Radiation - exposure to radiation associated with treatment of childhood disease

Klinefelter's Syndrome - rare disorder characterized by abnormal chromosome pattern (xxy)

Liver disease - such as cirrhosis of the liver.

Excess weight - fat cells convert androgens into estrogen, increasing the amount of estrogen in your body and, therefore, your risk of breast cancer.

Excessive use of alcohol - if you drink heavy amounts of alcohol you have a greater risk of breast cancer.

To diagnose breast cancer your doctor may conduct a number of tests including breast examination (clinical breast exam), mammograms (mammography), breast ultrasound, nipple discharge examination, biopsy and/or other tests.

Breast cancer in men is generally treated the same as it is in women. In most cases no one right treatment exists. Instead it is best to find the approach that's best suited considering the stage of the cancer and the man’s age.

Before making any decisions, learn as much as you can about the many treatment options. Some men may need only surgery. Others will need surgery and additional treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and /or alternative therapy.

To help reduce your risk of breast cancer, learn and practice breast self examinations on the same day every month, maintain a healthy body weight , reduce stress, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and avoid heavy alcohol use. Early detection also increases your chances of surviving the disease. So if you develop a breast lump or other abnormality, seek prompt care.

Certain challenges for males with the diagnosis of breast cancer and the follow-up treatment may become present. The psychosocial impact of a male getting a recognized “female disease” can impact his masculinity. As with a breast cancer diagnosis in females, a man, may experience feeling alone and helpless. Breast cancer is an illness. Supporting a person when genetic or environmental illnesses occur is imperative.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society
CCS: Cancer Information Service Canada
CIS: Cancer Information Service USA
Info Breast Cancer
Lymphovenous Canada
MayoClinic.com
MedlinePlus: Male Breast Cancer
Testicular Cancer Resource Center
2 1/4" Male Breast Cancer & Cancer Sucks Pin back Buttons

Joette Lees is a Spiritual Counselor and is the owner of Angel Stardust Journey. She is the author of four books including: Thoughts from a Reiki Master and Angelic Messages. For additional information on Joette click here to visit her on-line profile or view her website at www.angelstardustjourney.com