a more advanced stage of cancer because since it’s so uncommon for men to develop breast cancer, they don’t get checked for it the way women are pushed to. This means that if a man is to develop breast cancer, he is more than likely going to develop metastatic breast cancer.
The risk factors of developing breast cancer include having a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene), having high estrogen levels, getting older, exposure to radiation and more.
What To Do If You Are Concerned
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be dealing with breast cancer, knowing what to look for will help you determine your next steps. Much like women, men should also be encouraged to check for lumps.
These self-checks play an important role in detecting breast cancer early. When looking for male breast cancer, one of the main signs will be a lump in the breast that feels like a hard pebble.
Other symptoms that show breast cancer may have developed are nipple pain, lump(s) under the nipple or in the armpit, nipple discharge and its turning inward, changes in the breast (puckered, redness, soreness, dimpling, etc.), change in the shape of the breast and more. These are the same signs that women look for if there is breast cancer developing.
How To Destigmatize Breast Cancer
In order for the stigmatization of breast cancer and men to dissipate, it starts with bringing more awareness to the situation. Oftentimes when men develop breast cancer, they think something is wrong with them or they feel emasculated because it’s a “woman’s” disease.
Anyone can get breast cancer, even children, so it’s time to start talking more about it. Men need to show up more for other men and stop making them feel bad about something that can happen to anyone.
Pushing for men to get mammograms more often, creating more and shedding light to support groups for men with breast cancer, getting tested regularly for other types of cancers and illnesses and speaking up about men with breast cancer are all ways to help destroy the stigma. It’s time for the world to be more open about men and their health because how will you know what to do if you don’t know what to look for?