Introduction
Breast cancer is a health concern that is often associated with women, but it is crucial to recognize that men can also be affected by this disease. While breast cancer in men is relatively rare compared to women, it remains a significant issue that demands attention and awareness.
Breast cancer in men is similar to that in women, as it typically originates in the ducts or glands of the breast tissue. The most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, where cancer cells invade nearby tissues. Though the incidence is lower, men, like women, can carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increasing their risk of developing breast cancer.
The Anatomy of the Human Body
The Human body is rather like a highly technical and sophisticated machine. it operates as a single entity but is made up of a number of systems that work interdependently. Each system is associated with a specific and sometimes related function that is normally essential for the well-being of the individual. Should one system fail, the consequences are likely to extend to other systems and may reduce the ability of the body to function normally.
The Chemistry of Life
All living matter is made up of chemical building blocks. The basis of anatomy and physiology is therefore a chemical one, and before launching into the study of the subject it is necessary to consider briefly some aspects of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Cells are the smallest functional unit of the body, They are grouped together to form tissues, each of which has a specialized function e.g. blood, muscle, and bone.
What does it mean when the body experiences Cancer?
Cancer in the human body can be referred to as an abnormality of Cell division, When cells begin to experience uncontrolled division and abnormality cancer occurs. There are no specific genders to which cancers occur. it can happen to a man or a woman, provided he/she has a human body that undergoes constant cell division. in the case of an abnormality, cancer occurs. It can be a localized cancer, where it occurs in one part of the human body like the Ear, throat, Brain, prostate, etc. There are however certain triggers that lead to cancers in the human body, it could occur as a result of food type, exposure to radioactive materials, or genetic mutation at an abnormal level.
Breast Cancer
As described above breast cancer is a cancer type that occurs at a localized part of the human body known as the Breast’ Males and females have breasts and this means that cancer can occur in any one of the two. However female cancers are more prominent because of the large amount of cells/adipose tissues associated with the female breasts, hence it is easier for a female to clinically manifest Cancer of the breast than for a man.
Male Breast Cancer
This is a rare condition, it is the abnormal growth of cells in the male breast, popular opinion suggests that it occurs in older men, However, this is not completely true, because according to research it has the ability to happen to anyone no matter the age and the frequency of occurrence of cancers are mostly determined by external factors, not Internal factors.
Causes of male Breast Cancer include
Several risk factors contribute to the development of breast cancer in men, including age, family history, radiation exposure, and hormonal imbalances. Men with a family history of breast cancer or carrying specific genetic mutations should be particularly vigilant.
DNA cells are the instructors that control the rate at which cells are produced in the body, if they give instructions for increased production of cells then the body follows suit and this could manifest as cancer. Exposure of the body to radioactive cells from communication towers, radioactive devices like cell phones, radios QR readers, and many more. Foods that have the ability to alter the genetic sequence of the body, examples are mostly processed foods
Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men
- A painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest.
- Changes to the skin covering the chest, such as dimpling, puckering, scaling or changes in the color of the skin.
- Changes to the nipple, such as changes in the skin color or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward.
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
Factors that increase the risk of manifesting Breast cancer in Men Include
Getting older.
Breast cancer risk increases with age. Male breast cancer is most common in men in their 60s.
Prostate cancer hormone therapy or estrogen-containing medications.
Your risk of breast cancer increases if you take estrogen-related medications, such as those used in hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Breast cancer runs in my family.
You are more likely to develop breast cancer if you have a blood relative who has the disease.
Breast cancer risk is increased by inherited DNA changes.
Some of the DNA changes that can cause breast cancer are passed down from generation to generation. People who are born with these DNA changes are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, for example, increase the risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing breast cancer in men often involves a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and genetic testing. Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
Raising Awareness
Despite the lower prevalence of breast cancer in men, awareness and early detection are vital. Men should perform regular breast self-exams, especially those with known risk factors. Additionally, healthcare professionals must remain vigilant in considering the possibility of breast cancer when evaluating male patients with breast-related concerns.
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