Matthew Knowles, the father of celebrity singer Beyonce. 

Peter Criss, the drummer from the iconic rock band Kiss.

Robert Ray ‘Rod’ Roddy, the famous television announcer of The Price is Right.

George Lucas, the well-respected creator of the much-loved Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises

These are just some of the big names that battled breast cancer. People mistake that the disorder is only for women, but men can develop it too. Whether male or female, young or adult, no matter what your age or gender, it is essential to get breast cancer screening in Singapore. In the United States, the Centers for Disease (CDC) reported an increase of approximately 2,300 new breast cancer cases among males in 2017. Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer. Generally, most men who develop the said condition range from ages 60 to 70 years old. 

Although the chances of a man getting breast cancer in his lifetime are about 1 per 1,000, it is still advisable to get a breast medical check up in Singapore, especially if you’re reaching the age of 50s or encounter any symptoms. Male breast cancer is more common in older men, but men can develop it at any age. To know more about male breast cancer, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

HOW-TO-DISCOVER-BREAST-CANCER

HOW TO DISCOVER MALE BREAST CANCER?

Unlike with female breast cancer, where regular mammogram scans are available, men need to observe for physical signs of breast cancer. Apart from breast health screening in Singapore, here are the most common symptoms of breast cancer in men to help you determine if you’re developing it:

  • A lump or swelling in the breast: A thickened area or lump may grow on the breast. It will start to swell then a node will appear. Generally, this lies behind the nipple or in the armpit.
  • A sudden change in the breast appearance: If your breast starts to grow larger and look creased, distorted, or wrinkled, it may be a warning sign to get a breast cancer screening in Singapore. Seek medical attention, especially if you notice any dimples or pits that look like the skin of an orange.
  • Intolerable pain or sensitivity in and around the breast extending to the underarm area
  • Tenderness of the breast
  • Redness or flaky skin in the breast
  • Ulceration on the breast or nipple
  • Clear fluid, bloody liquid, or oozing discharge coming from the nipple
  • An inverted nipple
  • Rash on or around the nipple

If you notice any of these symptoms or changes on your breast, especially the nipples, see your doctor immediately for a breast cancer screening in Singapore. 

WHAT-ARE-THE-CAUSES-OF-MALE-BREAST-CANCER

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MALE BREAST CANCER?

Men under age 40s to 35 rarely develop breast cancer. The chance of getting breast cancer increases as men age, especially when you’re nearing your 60s to 70s. As you reach your mid-40s, get a breast cancer screening in Singapore immediately. Although the particular causes are not clear yet, these factors listed below may increase the risk of developing male breast cancer:

  • Getting older – The incidence of breast cancer in men increases with age. Most breast cancers occur after age 50. However, for men, male breast cancer occurs most frequently as they reach 60, although younger men may also get it. 
  • Family history of breast cancer – Family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives heightens the chances of breast cancer development. If any member of your family, whether first or second degree, it is highly advisable to seek a breast medical check up in Singapore.
  • Genetic mutations. The inherited mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, give rise to hereditary breast cancer cases. This factor is also the most common reason men develop breast cancer.
  • High oestrogen levels – High levels of oestrogen or men taking oestrogen have higher chances of stimulating the development of breast cancer. 
  • History of radiation exposure to the chest
  • Men taking hormone drugs or treatments to enlarge their breasts
  • Men with Klinefelter syndrome or males with an extra X chromosome
  • Men with certain conditions that affect the testicles, such as mumps orchitis, a testicular injury, or an undescended testicle
  • Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis
  • Overweight and obesity
WHAT-ARE-THE-TREATMENT-OPTIONS-FOR-MALE-BREAST-CANCER

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MALE BREAST CANCER?

Before getting treatment options, it is crucial to ask your healthcare professional first. Discuss your symptoms, family history, and the results of the breast cancer screening in Singapore. 

  • Surgery. This treatment option removes as much of the tumour as possible. Your surgeon will remove either the lump or your entire breast, depending on the severity of the case.
  • Radiation therapy. Through targeted radiation therapy, your doctor will kill cancer cells. However, surgery is still necessary post-radiation to remove the lumps on your breast.
  • Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be two ways, through an infusion or oral pills. With chemotherapy infusion, your healthcare provider delivers chemotherapy drugs into your vein, while oral chemotherapy pills are through the mouth. These medications can kill cancer cells. The only downside of chemotherapy is it takes at least a couple of chemo treatments or sessions.
  • Hormone therapy. After the consultation and medical check up in Singapore, your healthcare provider can recommend hormone therapy. It targets to block the effect of oestrogen on cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy. These are medications to strengthen your immune system, killing your cancer cells.

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately, men cannot prevent breast cancer from developing. However, there are several ways to lower the risk of the disease. You can start by changing your lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding excess alcohol, quitting smoking, exercising, and regularly scheduling breast cancer screening tests in Singapore. This health check up is crucial, especially if you’re in your mid-30s and turning your 40s soon, if breast cancer runs in the blood, or if you happen to notice any sudden changes in your breast. You may consider genetic testing to see if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. 

Also, many men don’t believe that breast cancer happens to them. They tend to neglect any warning sign when it appears. As soon as you sense something wrong with your chest and breast tissues, seek a breast cancer doctor immediately. Remember, early diagnosis equals early treatment.

If you need to consult a cancer, overall health, or sports injury specialist, send a message to Thomson Wellth Clinic. Contact them at 6735 0300 or directly talk to their team on their website.