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| Dr. Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego, earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and a B.A. in Political Science. He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Publi In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month in this year 2011, I shared some statistics and information about breast cancer among men. As I’ve just come across some new numbers this year, I’d like to share these numbers with you all even though they continue to pale in comparison to women. |
Anytime respect to all the women who have fought and continue to fight breast cancer on a daily basis, here are the most current statistics:
• Roughly 2,140 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in 2011 (still a male lifetime risk of 1 in 1,000).
• About 450 men (up from 400 in 2010) will die from breast cancer in 2011.
• Breast cancer continues to be about 100 times more common in women than men.
• The prognosis of breast cancer appears to be very similar to women of the same stage of cancer... something not always felt to be the case.
As far as some of the risk factors for breast cancer, well, no real changes as the list still includes:
• Family history. As with most conditions, family history often plays a risk. The number is roughly 20% of men with breast cancer have a close relative with the disease.
• Gene mutations. As we already know the association among women, the BRCA1 and 2 genes also play some role with men as well. The BRCA2 gene accounts for about 10% of breast cancers among men. Other genes that may play a role include CHEK2 and PTEN.
• Alcohol. Increased drinking means increased risk. And although not yet proven, the thought is the impact of alcohol on the liver which plays a large role on the sex hormones metabolism in the body. Bottom line, a damaged liver may indicate an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
• Obesity. This is similar with men as with women. The thought is fat cells ultimately lead to higher levels of female hormones which may increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Age. For men, the average age of diagnosis is 68 years old.
Well, pretty much the same things women need to monitor for:
• Any breast lump or swelling
• Nipple retraction and/or nipple discharge
• Any skin dimpling or redness or scaling of nipple or surrounding breast skin
Dr. Jeremy said, just as important as what has just been mentioned above is that men must realize they can get breast cancer as well. So if any breast changes are noted, please see your physician/health care provider because the earlier the detection, the greater the opportunity for a more positive prognosis.
