Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Here's What Asheboro Seniors Should Know
For seniors in Asheboro, NC, asking, "Can men get breast cancer?" the answer is yes. While the disease is significantly more common in women, it can still develop in men, as they have breast tissue, too.
Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that about 0.5% to 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men.
Given that cancers can be fatal, older adults should familiarize themselves with male breast cancer facts and embrace senior wellness education regarding its risk reduction. The caring and friendly team at TerraBella Asheboro, our welcoming and supportive senior living community in the beautiful, culturally rich city of Asheboro, NC, will share insights into the topic.
What Are the Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer?
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men include:
- Thickening in the breast tissue, often felt as lumps
- Redness, dimpling, puckering, or swelling in the skin over the breast
- Clear, milky, or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes in the armpits or collarbone
In some people, the breasts may also become enlarged as a result of cancerous cells. They may also experience fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
How Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
According to the U.S. CDC, around one in every 100 cases of breast cancer in the country occurs in men. The exact causes remain unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:
- Advancing age
- Inherited genetic mutations
- Breast cancer history in the family
- Exposure to radiation or hormone therapy
- Certain testicular conditions
- Liver disease
- Obesity or being overweight
Men with Klinefelter syndrome also have an elevated risk of getting breast cancer. It's a rare condition in which a male person has an extra X chromosome, although up to 65% of affected men never get diagnosed, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The extra chromosome can cause the body to make more estrogen and less androgen. The increased levels of estrogen can then raise one's risk of developing breast cancer.
What Are Strategies for Healthy Aging and Prevention of Cancer in Senior Men?
Breast cancer isn't completely preventable, as some factors that contribute to this disease's development are non-modifiable. However, Asheboro seniors, especially those in retirement communities, can still achieve their goal of healthy aging and reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by implementing the following assisted living health tips and memory care awareness strategies.
Staying Active
Staying active, such as by taking regular walks (even the low-intensity kind), is one of the most straightforward ways for seniors in Asheboro, NC, to age healthily. It may even reduce their risk of cancer!
An article published by the National Cancer Institute cited a study that established a link between daily physical activity and cancer risk reduction, including breast cancer. The researchers found that people with the highest level of daily physical activity had a 26% lower risk of cancer development compared to those with the least daily physical activity. They also discovered that people who walked at least 9,000 steps a day had a 16% lower risk than those who only took 5,000 steps per day.
At TerraBella Asheboro, we make it easy for our senior residents to feel motivated to exercise by giving them access to our exclusive Celebrations program. It's our robust calendar of daily physical, mental, and recreational activities and events.
Keeping Weight in Check
Another crucial strategy for senior men in Asheboro, NC, to age healthily and lower their breast cancer risk is to maintain a healthy weight by combining regular exercise with a well-balanced diet. Excess body fat can make them more likely to develop cancer.
Staying Current on Health Screenings
Routine health screenings can help seniors in Asheboro, NC, stay on top of their health by making them aware of the possible presence of diseases like cancer. Early detection is crucial in treating many chronic conditions, and in the case of breast cancer, it can even be life-extending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Men's Breast Cancer Curable?
Yes, male breast cancer is often curable, especially at its earliest stages. Early-stage cancers typically refer to those confined within the breast tissue and haven't spread to other organs.
How Do Men Get Checked for Breast Cancer?
Breast self-awareness, which involves self-examination, is one of the things senior men can do at home to detect early signs of breast cancer. A clinical breast exam is another, and so is mammography. A mammography is a type of X-ray imaging test that can identify small breast cancers, and it's often a recommended assessment for men with breast cancer risk factors, including a family history.
Seniors in Asheboro, NC, can also get checked for breast cancer through an ultrasound. It's an imaging test that uses sound waves to check the breast tissue for suspicious lumps.
If a clinical breast exam, mammography, or ultrasound discovers a suspicious lump, a biopsy usually follows. It involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for a closer examination under a microscope. The procedure can determine whether the tissue contains malignant (cancerous) cells.
Does Breast Pain in Men Indicate Cancer?
While breast pain can be a symptom of breast cancer, it doesn't always indicate cancer. It's more often a sign of benign conditions like mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue) or gynecomastia (enlargement of the breast tissue).
If persistent breast changes occur alongside breast pain, though, senior men should take them as a red flag to undergo further testing. If they notice lumps, changes in the breast's skin, or nipple discharge, for instance, they should get a more comprehensive evaluation to rule out breast cancer.
Early Detection Is Key to Breast Cancer Recovery
Can men get breast cancer? Yes, even though it occurs more rarely compared to women. As such, men, especially senior males, should do everything they can to detect it early, as this can help them get prompt treatment, which is key to recovery.
At TerraBella Asheboro, we recognize the immense impact of breast cancer in seniors, which is why we prioritize healthy aging through our exclusive health and wellness programs. In our assisted living and memory care campuses, residents have access to numerous health-focused amenities, including a calendar of daily physical activities and nutritious gourmet meals.
Speak with us today to discover what our senior living community in Asheboro, NC, can do for you or an aging loved one!