by Tharien van Eck, AWC Antwerp and Health Team Co-Chair
AWC Antwerp often receives emails from women expressing their appreciation for the heart-shaped pillows that they receive after breast cancer surgery. But very rarely from men! The email below reminded me, once again, that breast cancer knows no boundaries, and indeed occurs in men as well.
Dear women’s club,
I’d like to thank you for the “pillow heart” that was given to me at the time of my mastectomy surgery a few weeks ago. I am one of the few men having received the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Although I was wondering what the effect of the pillow would be, I was amazed by the effectiveness. It helped me while sleeping and while just “sitting around.”
You are doing a great job! Thank you for your kindness and your generosity.
A thankful patient
Breast cancer in men? How frequently does it occur? And how much does it differ from breast cancer in women?
The prevalence is about 1%, typically more in older men, but it can occur at any age. Some of the other risk factors include:
- Disease associated with a higher level of estrogen, e.g., Klinefelter syndrome or liver disease;
- Family history of one or more relatives who have had breast cancer;
- Mutations in genes, e.g., BRAC2.
The symptoms are very similar to those that women may present with – a painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest, changes in the nipple, or a discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
Risk reduction is important; discuss this with your physician. Consider genetic screening and breast cancer screening if you have a family history of breast cancer. Transgender men with a family history should always be aware of a potential increased risk. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain following gender affirming surgery to remove the breasts. Get to know the look and feel of the chest wall enabling the immediate reporting of changes.
Treatment is usually through surgical intervention: either a mastectomy or just the removal of the cancer and surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy, radiation and/or hormonal therapy may be required.
The takeaway message – be aware of the risks (where applicable) and check breasts and nipples on a regular basis.
Sources:
Photo by Rebekka Klingshirn, used with permission