Beyonce’s Dad Mathew Knowles Survived Breast Cancer; Know Why and How the Disease Affects Men
Contrary to popular belief males have breast cancer too. It is rare cancer to form in male breast tissue, but as per statistics, even though men are at 100 times less risk than women, the lifetime risk for breast cancer in males is around 1 in 1,000. Male breast cancer is most common in older men, though it can occur at any age.
Mathew Knowles, Beyonce's father recently revealed that he is a breast cancer survivor. A mammogram helped him diagnose that he has breast cancer after Knowles visited doctors two months ago. He found dot of blood appearing on his shirt quite a few times earlier. The 67-year-old told Good Morning America's Michael Strahan during the interview that he has the BRCA2 gene mutation, which also predisposes him to melanoma, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. Knowles explained, "I have to be very much aware and conscious, and do all of the early detection. Constant mammograms, constant prostate exams, constant MRIs for the rest of my life." He's now urging men to be more aware of breast cancer and get tested.
What is Male Breast Cancer?
Contrary to popular belief males have breast cancer too. It is rare cancer to form in male breast tissue, but as per statistics, even though men are at 100 times less risk than women, the lifetime risk for breast cancer in males is around 1 in 1,000. Male breast cancer is most common in older men, though it can occur at any age. Male breast cancer is said to occur when some breast cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and form a tumour. However, not all tumours are cancerous. The ones that spread (metastasise) to nearby tissue, to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body develop in cancer. While there isn't a definite cause that has been found to cause breast cancer, some of the common risk factors include: Older age, exposure to estrogen, family history, Klinefelter's syndrome, liver disease, obesity, testicle disease or surgery. Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Risks, Symptoms and Treatment -What Every Man Should Know.
Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer
The tendency of men developing breast cancer is quite low, the reason is that women begin developing breast tissue sooner and more than men do. Since men are born with a small amount of breast tissue, the risk of them developing breast cancer cannot be ruled out completely. When it comes to the symptoms of breast cancer, women don't exhibit symptoms similar to that of men. Any change in the breast area should be a cause for concern and warrants a visit to the doctor. How To Check Your Breasts For Lumps.
- Any hard lumps in the breast or underarm area, which are tender but painless
- Dimpling on the breast area along with puckering or redness on the skin
- Change in the size and shape of the breasts
- Rash or itchy scales on the breast
- Inverted nipples
- Discharge from the nipple
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month going on, it is important to know that men must undergo annual breast cancer screening as well. Knowles urges men to get themselves screened before it is too late. You must not avoid any change your breasts exhibit.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2019 01:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).