Cause of Male Breast Cancer
The cause of breast cancer in men is unknown. The medical community has identified certain risk factors that make men more prone to developing breast cancer. Radiation exposure, hormones and genetics sometimes play a part in male breast cancer. Having the risk factors does not mean that a man will develop breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age men are diagnosed with breast cancer is 67 years old, making age another risk factor for male breast cancer.
Radiation Exposure
Men who have been exposed to radiation in the chest area have a higher chance of developing breast cancer than men who have not been exposed to chest radiation. The study, "Male Breast Cancer Incidence Among Atomic Bomb Survivors" published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that men who were exposed to radiation from the atomic bomb in Japan had a higher incidence of developing breast cancer. Today, radiation exposure to the chest typically comes from undergoing radiation treatments for chest cancers.
Estrogen
Estrogen causes breast cells to divide. Higher levels of estrogen causes increased breast cell division. Increased breast cell division leads to an increased chance that cells will divide with abnormalities and become cancer cells. Conditions that can cause increased estrogen levels in men include, estrogen medications, liver disease and Klinefelter syndrome. Obesity can also cause increased levels of estrogen because the body converts fat cells into estrogen.
Genetics
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for some cases of breast cancer. Inheriting these genes can increase a man's chances of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, "hereditary breast cancer makes up approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of all breast cancer". The American Cancer Society estimates that "about one out of five men with breast cancer have close male or female relatives with the disease".
Recognizing the Signs of Male Breast Cancer
Regularly looking at and feeling the breasts can help to detect male breast cancer. Some of the signs of male breast cancer are lumps in the breast, changes in the appearance of the breasts such as dimples and indentations, scaly or red skin on the breasts or nipples, and discharge from the nipples.
References
- American Cancer Society - Detailed Guide: Breast Cancer in Men
- Male Breast Cancer Incidence Among Atomic Bomb Survivors; Journal of the National Cancer Institute Vol. 97 No. 8; Elaine Ron, Takayoshi Ikeda, Dale L. Preston, Shoji Tokuoka; April 2005
- National Cancer Institute - General Information About Male Breast Cancer
