Breast Cancer in Men: What to Know
At Ink 4 Pink, we know the physical, emotional and mental trauma that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. We also know that this disease doesn’t just affect women.
Our mission is to provide life-changing tattoos for anyone who has undergone breast cancer treatment, no matter their gender. While breast cancer does primarily strike women, men represent about 1% of breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S. every year.
Because of its rarity in men, men may be more likely to ignore the signs of breast cancer, and the prognosis for men with the disease hasn’t advanced as much as it has for women. Here’s what to know about male breast cancer and how to look out for it.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men
A painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest
Changes to the skin covering the chest, such as dimpling, puckering or scaling
Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
Changes to the nipple, such as changes to skin color, or a nipple that begins to turn inward
When to See a Doctor
If any of the above symptoms apply to you or a loved one, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
Breast cancer in men is diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests and biopsies, similar to how it’s diagnosed in women. A doctor will first examine the breast tissue, looking for lumps or other abnormalities. A mammogram and/or ultrasound may then be used to further assess any suspicious regions. If the imaging suggests cancer, a biopsy is performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
After confirming a diagnosis, the patient’s health care team will work to figure out the stage of the cancer and create a treatment plan.
What Causes Breast Cancer in Men?
Studies have shown that male breast cancers are biologically and molecularly different compared to female breast cancers. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, most breast cancers in men are estrogen receptor (ER)–positive invasive ductal carcinoma, which is also the most common breast cancer in women. While men who carry a mutation in the BRCA2 gene have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, most breast cancers in men are not caused by inherited factors. Age, being overweight (which can increase levels of estrogen), and exposure to radiation treatment to the chest are all factors that may influence the risk of breast cancer in men, but due to its rarity, much more research is needed to understand breast cancer in men.
After Cancer
No matter who you are, Ink 4 Pink is ready to help you feel whole again after breast cancer. We offer funding for those who need it for 3-D nipple tattoos, scar camouflage tattoos, and eyebrow tattoos following breast cancer treatment.
When you are ready, know that you are not alone, and you can reach out to Ink 4 Pink anytime for the help you need.
