Can men get breast cancer? Yes, they can; although it's rare, the risk goes up with age, and it's often diagnosed later than in women. It's important to be aware of risk factors and early signs, as timely intervention can significantly improve survival outcomes.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there will be nearly 317,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women just in 2025 alone. You may have noticed that this statistic specifically says "women," and you're wondering if men can get breast cancer too.
Older adults in Frisco, TX need to be educated on important health matters such as cancer, so keep reading. We'll tell you all about male breast cancer so you can take better care of yourself.
Yes, men can get breast cancer since they also have breast tissue, which is where the cancerous cells develop. But as you may have guessed, the cases are much fewer since men don't have as much breast tissue to work with.
This means there's both an advantage and a drawback to male breast cancer. As a senior man, your chances of getting breast cancer are very slim (according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), under 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses are in men).
However, this means that men are usually complacent, and by the time they're diagnosed, the case is much more serious. This makes awareness especially important.
The BCRF says that the survival rate for men with breast cancer depends on the stage of the cancer when it's first diagnosed.
Here are the 5-year relative survival rates based on stages:
As you can see, the number drops significantly for distant-stage cancer, as it means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
As part of senior men's health, it's vital to know the signs of male breast cancer. They are:
Should you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your doctor to discuss them.
Just as with any other type of cancer or disease, there are certain factors that can raise your breast cancer risk. They include:
While routine screening isn't usually recommended for men, it may be for those who are at high risk. Or if you want peace of mind, you can always request clinical exams with your physician.
As for prevention, male breast cancer awareness can do a lot already. For example, if you know what symptoms to look for and you do regular self-exams, then you can catch abnormalities early on and get prompt treatment. Or if you have a family history or known genetic mutations, then you should consider genetic counseling.
Otherwise, you should lead a healthy lifestyle for optimal cancer prevention. Get into wellness activities, stay at a healthy weight, and eat a wholesome diet.
If you're diagnosed with male breast cancer, then there are several options for Frisco, TX, senior care. They include:
The type your doctor recommends will depend on the cancer stage, as well as your overall health and specific tumor specifics.
Yes. Even though leading a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your chances of breast cancer, you're not completely immune. Genetics and age also play big roles, which is why early detection in senior living is so essential.
Male breast cancer isn't always detected as a lump. For some men, they may have skin or nipple changes without a palpable lump. You should always report any changes in your breasts to your doctor.
In general, the symptoms between the sexes are similar. But since men typically have less breast tissue, lumps may be easier to notice.
Yes, male breast cancer can be hereditary. Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be passed down, and this increases your risk.
Yes, there are a few lifestyle changes that can lower your breast cancer risk, and they should be part of all health education for aging adults. Changes you can make include:
It's a common misconception that male breast cancer is more aggressive than female breast cancer. The reality is that the male version is usually diagnosed much later, so this can make it appear more advanced at discovery.
Yes, men can and should perform regular self-exams. You should check for the following to help with early detection:
So can men get breast cancer? They absolutely can, although at a significantly lower rate than women.
Because no one's completely immune to breast cancer, you should be aware of its symptoms. Early detection is key, so be vigilant and proactive. Even if a potential symptom turns out to be nothing, it's better to be safe than to be sorry.
To schedule a tour at our senior living community in Frisco, TX, contact us today. Parkview in Frisco has executive chefs on staff who can prepare anything from local favorites to international cuisines.