Health
Highest cases of male breast cancer found in South Africa─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:09 Tue, 15 Oct 2024
One to three percent of breast cancers in the country are found in men.
Many men don’t know they can get breast cancer. They may not notice a change, and think it’s not important. This can delay diagnosis and as a result, breast cancers may be found later in men.
The male breast is much smaller than the female breast making it more likely that cancer will spread to the chest wall.
The latest data from the National Cancer Register revealed men have a one in 943 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
“Sub-Saharan Africa has about a two to three percent incidence of breast cancer in men whereas the rest of the world sits at one percent,” said Milpark Breast Care Centre professor and surgeon Carol-Ann Benn.
“We are always under the understanding that it is older men but now I see 27-year-olds and 32-year-olds with male breast cancer, so I think it’s really about awareness.”
In men, we know there is a slightly higher relationship between a gene bracket, which means there is a genetic predisposition, she said.
Myths and facts about breast cancer. Photo: westerncape.gov.za
Breast cancer symptoms in men:
The most common symptom is a painless lump under the nipple or areola. The areola is the darker area around the nipple.
Other symptoms may include:
- a nipple turning in (inverted nipple);
- changes in the size or shape of the breast;
- an eczema-like rash on the nipple;
- discharge or bleeding from the nipple;
- a swelling or lump in either armpit;
- an ulcer on the skin of the breast.
Signs of breast cancer in males. Photo: CANSA
Risk factors of cancer in males:
- Age: The risk of breast cancer in men increases with age. It is most common in men over 60.
- Family history of breast cancer: About one in five men with breast cancer (20%) have a close relative who has had breast cancer.
- High oestrogen levels: Men may be at risk of developing breast cancer if they have higher levels of oestrogen than normal.
- Testicular effects: Conditions that affect or damage the testicles may also increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity: This may be a risk factor for breast cancer in men because it increases the number of fat cells in the body.
How to self-check for males. Photo: CANSA
“So, male breast cancer presents in a similar way to female breast cancer from a change in the nipple to most commonly a lump in the breast,” said Benn.
