By Faith Mwende
Breast cancer is often thought of as a women’s disease, but men can also develop it.
Though rare, male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancer cases worldwide.
The condition occurs when cells in the small amount of breast tissue found in men begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.
The most common symptoms include a lump or swelling in the chest area, changes in the nipple such as inversion or discharge, and changes in the skin around the nipple including redness, scaling, or dimpling.
Because many men are unaware that they can get breast cancer, most cases are diagnosed at a later stage, making treatment more difficult.
Risk factors for male breast cancer include aging, family history of breast cancer, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and genetic mutations such as BRCA2.
Men who have undergone radiation exposure to the chest are also at higher risk.
Doctors emphasize that early detection is key. Regular self-checks and prompt medical evaluation of any unusual changes in the chest area can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
