Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter
Kuala Lumpur, Oct 12: One of the most common cancers among Malaysians are breast cancer, followed by colorectal cancer, lung cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and liver cancer.
Specifically in Malaysia, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers make up about half of the total cancer cases reported.
Most people would assume that men don’t get breast cancer.
Although breast cancer is much more common in women, men do have a small amount of breast tissue and can develop breast cancer too.
The average risk of male breast cancer is one in 1000 men, and accounts for less than one per cent of all cancers in men.
Although rare, this is still a possibility and most men who have breast cancer are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
This is because a lot of men aren’t even aware that they can get breast cancer, and therefore do not have a regular screening routine.
What causes male breast cancer?
- Getting Older – The risk among men increases as they age, and frequently occurs among men over 60 years old. However, there are times where younger men have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Genetic mutation – Mutation in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase breast cancer risk.
- Family history of breast cancer – Risk of male breast cancer is higher if a close family member has had breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy treatment – Drugs containing estrogen, which was used in the past to treat prostate cancer can increase male breast cancer risk.
- Klinefelter syndrome – A type of rare genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to higher levels of estrogen production and lower levels of androgens.
- Radiation – Men who had radiation therapy to the chest have higher risk of getting breast cancer.
- Testicular issues – Injury to testicle, or surgery to remove testicles can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Liver disorder – Cirrhosis of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men, thus increasing the risk of breast cancer.
- Overweight and Obesity – Older men who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than men with normal weight.
“Although breast cancer is a common disease among women, men should also be aware and know the signs and symptoms for early detection,” Dr Jenson Sow Wen Jen, Resident Consultant Oncologist at Aurelius Hospital Nilai said.
“As with any type of cancer, it is always important to understand the signs as early as possible, to have proper treatment taken.
“For men, it is more critical for survival as cancer tends to spread faster to the adjacent organs because men have less breast tissue. Hence, early detection for breast cancer among men is crucial and can save lives.”
Here are some common symptoms for male breast cancer to look out for:
- Swelling of the breast area
- Ulceration on the breast or nipple
- Tender or inverted nipple (pulled inwards)
- Rash on or around the nipple
- Lump in the underarm area
- Oozing discharge from the nipple, sometimes with blood
Editor’s Note: You can now download our app on the Google Play Store or the Apple Store, or write your next best-selling novel with our sister app Toolis, available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store or purchase something from us at www.tapiroo.com, yayaezzy.com or at lazybumskincare.com.au.
We are happy to note that we are also now on Amazon Australia. Purchase our products as a show of support to us. They are Yaya, Ezzy, Tante June and Xeno backpacks or our beauty products such as LazyBum Skincare Facial Cleanser, LazyBum Skincare Toner and Moisturiser and Blitz Hair Oil Spray.
Also, check out our rate card and media kit here if you would like to advertise with us on this website. Thank you!
Like What You Read
Howdy! Thanks for dropping by and reading our stuff. DailyStraits.com is an independent website that covers all things business and entrepreneurship related. If you like what you read, a little donation from your good self will go a long way in helping us run this site successfully. Thank you!
$5.00
Welcome to dailystraits.com. Please send all interview requests and press releases to editor@dailystraits.com.