Breast cancer can develop not only in women, but also in men, oncologist Carlos Silva said in an interview with Infobae, dispelling a common misconception. The specialist explained that the main risk factors of the disease are genetics and metabolic disorders, such as obesity.
According to the specialist, breast cancer develops from the glandular tissue, the active part of the breast, where women synthesize and secrete milk. Men also have glandular tissue in their breasts, although in smaller amounts.
"According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cancer diagnosed in men is ductal carcinoma, a tumor that arises from the mammary ducts leading to the nipple. Lobular carcinoma and Paget's disease are less common. The average age of diagnosis is 60-70 years old," explained the oncologist.
Silva cited genetic predisposition as a major risk factor. In particular, a mutation in the BRCA2 gene significantly increases the risk of the disease. A family history of such mutations is often associated with breast or ovarian cancer. Other inherited syndromes that may increase the risk include Lee-Fraumann, Cowden, and Lynch syndromes.
The oncologist also noted that the risk of developing breast cancer in men increases with diseases such as obesity, liver disease, hormonal imbalance, exposure to estrogen, or previous radiation therapy to the chest.
Symptoms to look out for include a lump in the breast or armpit, nipple retraction, and production, especially bloody production. If these symptoms appear, Silva recommends seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment options for male breast cancer are similar to those for women: surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
