New research just released shows the rate of male breast cancer is on the rise and the disease in men is usually detected when the tumors are more advanced, compared to cases of breast cancer in women. Breast cancer in men is much rarer than in women. But this new study shows not only are men more likely to have deadlier forms of breast cancer, but that many are simply unaware they can get breast cancer.

“I felt something hard, and my wife felt the same thing. She became a little concerned to say the least,” says Richard Pitre. Male breast cancer is not the kind of thing for which a man typically thinks he’d have to go to the doctor. Richard can tell you that first hand. “You presume it’s not going to happen to you. I was kind of in a daze when I got the phone call,” says Richard. A CAT scan and biopsy proved Richard did indeed have male breast cancer.
Male breast cancer accounts for less than one percent of all breast cancers. Now new research by experts at MD Anderson cancer center in Houston shows the rate of male breast cancer is on the rise and the disease in men is usually detected when the tumors are bigger, have spread and may be more aggressive. Dr. Sharon Giordano is a breast cancer researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She notes, “The incidence of male breast cancer had gone up about 25% over the past 25 years.”
Compared to female patients, the investigators found that male patients were significantly older when diagnosed. They were also more likely to have cancer that had spread to their lymph nodes. What really puzzles researchers is why the rates are slowly rising. Dr. Giordano says, “Tumors under the male breast under the nipple are easier to feel compared to a tumor in a female breast.”
Also of huge interest is the fact that male patients are more likely than female patients to have estrogen receptor-positive tumors. This means the cancers are responsive to the estrogen-like substance Tamoxifen, a good sign for treating the disease. “We use Tamoxifen as the first line of hormonal treatment in men, we use it both in a preventative setting, with early stage breast cancer to prevent recurrence and as treatment for metastatic disease,” instructs Dr. Giordano.
Still, estrogen receptor status, and progesterone receptor status did not independently influence survival. In spite of the fact the cancers were overall more aggressive at the time of diagnosis, the study found the relative survival rates by stage of disease for men and women are similar.
The researchers say no guidelines recommend screening mammography at any age for men due to the disease rarity. But they do say there is minimal public education about the existence of male breast cancer, and that this should be considered at least with respect to self breast exams in men.
Richard‘s cancer had not spread, and he has needed no further treatment besides his surgery to remove the tumor. He’s taken away from the experience a viewpoint common to many breast cancer survivors. “I’ve learned do live with the hand I’m dealt and move on. Appreciate the beauty of life. I truly understand it’s beautiful to be alive,” says Richard.

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