Debunking Myths: Can Guys Get Breast Cancer?

The answer is YES! Although the most common demographic affected by breast cancer are women, those assigned male at birth or who are transmasculine are not exempted from getting breast cancer. Breast tissue, despite being smaller in size compared to that in women, are also present in men. In the presence of mutations, this can also become malignant and spread, eventually causing damage to nearby structures in the body.₁ However, breast cancer in men is considered rare and generally covers only 1% of breast cancer cases.₁ Despite a smaller number, male breast cancer is typically diagnosed late in the disease process where advanced characteristics of the condition are already present, leading to higher mortality than breast cancer types in women. This calls for a proactive approach to advocating for breast cancer awareness, especially in men who are more likely to develop the disease condition. More importantly, this highlights the importance of prevention for your optimal health as you walk through all stages of life.
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Understanding Breast Cancer

​Breast cancer occurs due to the unregulated presence of an abnormal cell which has the ability to proliferate (rapidly multiply), build-up in tissues, and spread to other parts of the body during the late phase of the disease. The development of this abnormal cell occurs due to a mutation caused by environmental exposure or genetic susceptibility. Getting exposed to harmful radiation, chemical compounds, or hot environments at work may increase your susceptibility to developing breast cancer.₂ Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are responsible for DNA repair, have also been linked to the disease.₂​ Generally, you will have a higher risk of having breast cancer if you have family relatives with the condition, especially parents or siblings.₁ Additionally, your risks of having breast cancer increases with age. Preventing the development of breast cancer starts with proactively making decisions for your health. Knowing your risk factors, avoiding your personal triggers, and nurturing your body’s abilities to protect and heal itself are simple yet impactful ways for your optimal health and well-being.

Signs and Symptoms

People with breast cancer may have different symptoms, depending on the course of the condition. However, men with breast cancer typically complain of a painless mass on one breast.₁ Other symptoms may include breast discomfort, sores, or discharges. Any nipple discharge in a male is considered abnormal and needs to be examined by a physician immediately. Since men have smaller breasts compared to women, the presence of a mass may look more obvious. However, most men do not have themselves checked early compared to women, which is precisely why it is more difficult and challenging to manage the condition. This is a sign to fight off the stigma and advocate for your long-term health, no matter your gender!

Treatment Options

The management of breast cancer depends on the grade and stage of the tumor, rather than the gender of the patient. Particularly, the management of breast cancer in men has been adopted from treatment approaches developed for breast cancer in women.₃​ Naturopathic oncologists (FABNO) are experts in this field and work with the allopathic oncology team to help guide patients into holistic therapies, incorporating both conventional and naturopathic methods, to efficiently manage the disease, achieve remission, prevent recurrence, and nurture well-being.

The Power of Prevention
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Routine breast cancer screening and assessment for men are not that common and well-established, since the condition rarely occurs in this demographic. However, this should not stop you from making conscious decisions for your health. Learning your risk factors as you grow older and evaluating your susceptibility to a wide array of conditions due to your genetic background are a few important steps to nurture your long-term health. Additionally, avoiding exposure to an environment that is not good for your health ensures that your body remains in balance and is not put at increased stress and harm. If a mass is observed, getting the appropriate diagnostic tests rules out harmful conditions, such as breast cancer. 
 
Diagnostic and screening methods for breast cancer in men are similar to those utilized in women. These may be through physical exams, mammography, or imaging studies, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Undergoing a wide array of tests may feel overwhelming, but these serve as building blocks into unlocking the best holistic approaches for your health needs. 

The Naturopathic Approach

The best approach in managing breast cancer is to prevent it from developing in the first place. Identifying your risks early and making conscious decisions about your health everyday are a few of the most important steps you can take to not only prevent the development of breast cancer, but also protect yourself from other disease conditions that could affect your overall well-being. 

After cancer has already developed, naturopathic physicians trained in integrative oncology can help provide options to enhance the efficacy of your cancer treatment, speed recovery, and restore health post-treatment to help you recover from conventional treatment and prevent future recurrence.

In every step of your health journey, your naturopathic doctors are committed to ensuring you are guided towards the best options for your personal health goals. To learn more about the naturopathic approach to nurturing your health, talk to your naturopathic medicine advisors today!
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REFERENCES:
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1.        Khattab A, Kashyap S, Monga DK. Male Breast Cancer. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 26, 2022.
2.   Zheng G, Leone JP. Male Breast Cancer: An Updated Review of Epidemiology, Clinicopathology, and Treatment. J Oncol. 2022;2022:1734049. Published 2022 May 24. doi:10.1155/2022/1734049
3.     Gucalp A, Traina TA, Eisner JR, et al. Male breast cancer: a disease distinct from female breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019;173(1):37-48. doi:10.1007/s10549-018-4921-9 ​