Breast cancer, one of the biggest killers of women, is associated only with females. But breast tissues are not only found in women alone. Men also have them, albeit in small amounts. Hence, although the instances are rare, men are also susceptible to breast cancer. The lifetime risk for males is one in 1,000. Like in women, breast cancer in men also occurs when breast cells divide abnormally to form a tumour. Recently, Michael Knowles, Beyonce’s father, spoke up about surviving breast cancer. His disclosure has triggered dialogues around the incidence of the malignant disease in men. “Is male breast cancer curable?; “What is the survival rate for male breast cancer?”; these are some of the most frequently asked questions on the internet. On Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019, let address some of the FAQs related to male breast cancer.

How Can You Tell If a Guy Has Breast Cancer?

Timely diagnosis of male breast cancer can be made by looking for common signs and symptoms. Some of them are similar to signs of breast cancer in women. These include:

  • Painless lumps in the breast area

  • Changes in the skin – dimpling, redness, scaling or puckering

  • Changes in nipple size, texture or colour

  • Discharge from nipples

What is the Survival Rate for Male Breast Cancer?

According to data by Cancer.net, the five-year survival rate for men with breast cancer is 84 percent. Survival also depends largely on when the cancer is diagnosed. If it’s detected in its first stage, chances of survival go up and vice versa. At the initial stages, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent. At Stage II, it is 87 percent and Stage II, it is 75 percent. However, if cancer spreads to other parts of the body (stage IV), the survival rate is 25 percent. Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Risks, Symptoms and Treatment -What Every Man Should Know.

Is Breast Cancer Common In Men?

Although breast cancer is possible in men, it is also quite rare. As mentioned above, cancer risk among men is one in 1,000. Less than one percent of all cancers are male breast cancer.

Is Male Breast Cancer Curable?

Surviving breast cancer is quite possible if the symptoms are detected on time. The earlier it is detected, the higher the chances of survival. Unfortunately, misinformation about breast cancer in men often causes delays in detection. Men, who are generally less likely to seek medical attention for any health problem, often misinterpret the signs of male breast cancer and delay treatment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2019 07:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).