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Breast Cancer in Men!

• Genetic factors have a role in breast cancer diagnosis that can make up about 11%-20%. The breast cancer gene or BRCA (1 & 2) gene can come from mother or father. Men with the BRCA2 gene have a higher risk. • Richard Roundtree is a famous actor that came out about his diagnosis in 1993 and thought it was a woman’s disease. Other known men who survived and passed away from the disease are Rod Roddy, Edward Brooke, Peter Criss, Montel Williams, and Ernie Green. • Paget disease may be associated with DCIS or with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (type of breast cancer). It accounts for about 1% of female breast cancers and a higher percentage of male breast cancers. • The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) mandated that reconstructive breast surgery for women and men who have undergone mastectomy be covered by their benefits for those who have opted to have breast reconstruction. In individuals who have undergone a medically necessary lumpectomy, surgery to create a more normal anatomy is considered reconstructive. • The American Cancer Society estimates for breast cancer in men in the United States for 2017 are: 1. About 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed 2. About 460 men will die from breast cancer

Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. The number of breast cancer cases in men relative to the population has been fairly stable over the last 30 years.

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Like African American women, African American men are hit harder by breast cancer than their white counterparts. After diagnosis, African American men are three times more likely to die from breast cancer than white men. This difference is probably due to the same factors suggested by research involving African American women.

• Prevention: Reduce risk factors for men by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, increase intake in cancer fighting foods (kale, broccoli, turmeric, etc.), stop or limit alcohol intake, quit or not smoking, and reduce radiation exposure. We can’t prevent genetics or aging, but stay informed with your primary care provider should you see or feel anything abnormal. Genetic testing/counseling may also be available with your insurance.

A number of factors can increase a man’s risk of getting breast cancer: 1. Growing older: This is the biggest factor. Just as is the case for women, risk increases as age increases. The average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is about 68.

2. High estrogen levels: Breast cell growth — both normal and abnormal — is stimulated by the presence of estrogen. Men can have high estrogen levels as a result of:

a. taking hormonal medicines

b. being overweight, which increases the production of estrogen

c. having been exposed to estrogens in the environment (such as estrogen and other hormones fed to fatten up beef cattle, or the breakdown products of the pesticide DDT, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body)

d. being heavy users of alcohol, which can limit the liver’s ability to regulate blood estrogen levels

e. having liver disease, which usually leads to lower levels of androgens (male hormones) and higher levels of estrogen (female hormones). This increases the risk of developing gynecomastia (breast tissue growth that is non-cancerous) as well as breast cancer.

3. Klinefelter syndrome: Men with Klinefelter syndrome have lower levels of androgens (male hormones) and higher levels of estrogen (female hormones). Therefore, they have a higher risk of developing gynecomastia (breast tissue growth that is non-cancerous) and breast cancer. Klinefelter syndrome is a condition present at birth that affects about 1 in 1,000 men. Normally men have a single X and single Y chromosome. Men with Klinefelter syndrome have more than one X chromosome (sometimes as many as four). Symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome include having longer legs, a higher voice, and a thinner beard than average men; having smaller than normal testicles; and being infertile (unable to produce sperm).

4. A strong family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations: Family history can increase the risk of breast cancer in men — particularly if other men in the family have had breast cancer. The risk is also higher if there is a proven breast cancer gene abnormality in the family. Men who inherit abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (BR stands for BReast, and CA stands for CAncer) have an increased risk of male breast cancer. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately 1% with the BRCA1 gene mutation and 6% with the BRCA2 gene mutation. Because of this strong association between male breast cancer and an abnormal BRCA2 gene, first-degree relatives (siblings, parents, and children) of a man diagnosed with breast cancer may want to ask their doctors about genetic testing for abnormal breast cancer genes. Still, the majority of male breast cancers happen in men who have no family history of breast cancer and no inherited gene abnormality.

5. Radiation exposure: If a man has been treated with radiation to the chest, such as for lymphoma, he has an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

• Research: Men with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood were about 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men with the lowest estrogen levels. Now an international study has found that men with naturally high levels of estrogen may have a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer. Read the abstract of “Prediagnostic Sex Steroid Hormones in Relation to Male Breast Cancer Risk.”

• Symptoms: If you notice any persistent changes to your breasts, you should contact your doctor. Here are some signs to watch for: a lump felt in the breast nipple pain an inverted nipple (common in male breast cancer) nipple discharge (clear or bloody) sores on the nipple and areola (the small ring of color around the center of the nipple) enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

• Post-Diagnosis: The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) mandated that reconstructive breast surgery for women and men who have undergone mastectomy be covered by their benefits for those who have opted to have breast reconstruction. In individuals who have undergone a medically necessary lumpectomy, surgery to create a more normal anatomy is considered reconstructive.

The American Cancer Society estimates for breast cancer in men in the United States for 2017 are:

About 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed About 460 men will die from breast cancer

Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

The number of breast cancer cases in men relative to the population has been fairly stable over the last 30 years.

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@IWillSurviveInc 5879 New Peachtree Rd. Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30340 Open Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 2:00pm 404-483-8503 Contact@IWillSurviveInc.org

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What is breast cancer?

The breast is made up of supportive fibrous tissue, fatty tissue,  lobes of glandular tissue with ducts to eject milk to the exterior.  Breast cancer is defined as when normal cells of the breast begin to grow and divide at an unregulated pace. Consequently, these cancer cells can become malignant where they can invade and spread (metastasize) to different areas of the body. The most common breast malignancy accounting for 80% is “Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma.” Most are unilateral and begin in the ducts of the breast. Over time, these tumors become stony hard mass as it increases in size and may even metastasize.  The second most common breast malignancy accounting for 10% of breast cancer is “Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma.”  These are also unilateral, begin in the milk-producing glands ( lobules), and have the potential to be invasive; However, this type of breast cancer has a better prognosis than ductal carcinoma. The most common places breast cancer spreads to are the lungs and bone. Both men and women can get breast cancer, although the chances of men getting breast cancer are rare.

Epidemiology

Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosed in women in western industrialized countries.  An estimated 182,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to occur among women in the United States during 2000. After increasing by approximately 4% per year in the 1980s, breast cancer incidence rates in women have leveled off in the 1990s to approximately 110 cases per 100,000 women. The average age is 64 years old and the risk increases with age.

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Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2013:

New cases: 232,340 (female); 2,240 (male)

Deaths: 39,620 (female); 410 (male)

Information provided by the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov

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The numbers change drastically in lower-income communities. Why are caucasian women the highest diagnosed with breast cancer; yet, African American women are dying at a more alarming rate? Breast cancer does not see a race, gender, origin, or religion, but knowledge is power especially for those who are financially unstable.

Breast cancer mortality rates by state provided by the (CDC) Center for Disease Control.

Breast cancer rates by race and ethnicity provided by the CDC.

Take your focus off false hope of a cure and focus on prevention!

What are the risks of breast cancer?

• Based on current breast cancer incidence rates, experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.
• The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman’s risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. In African American women, age is not the highest risk factor.
• Other factors can also increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, including
  • 1) Genetically susceptible background ( family history of breast cancer, chromosomal anomalies)
  • 2) Prolonged estrogen stimulation
    • Early menarche/late menopause
    • Nulliparity (never being pregnant)
    • Postmenopausal obesity
    • Hormonal replacement therapy
  • 3) Endometrial Cancer, ionizing radiation, smoking cigarettes
  • 4) High dense density ( determined by mammogram)

Factors that decrease the risk of breast cancer?

• Breast-feeding: Natural flow of breast milk actually inhibits estrogen secretion
• Exercise: Excess body fat secrets estrogen which increases female sexual organs to prolong exposure of this hormone. Greater exposure of means leads to constant stimulation of cells in the breast by estrogen which can result in these cells becoming cancerous.

Clinical Findings

• Painless mass in the breast.  Usually  in the upper outer quadrant
• Skin or nipple retraction
• Painless enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary area
• Hepatomegaly ( enlarged liver), bone pain if metastasis has occurred
• Breast skin with dimpling like an orange (peak d’orange)
• Bloody nipple discharge

What are screening options to detect breast cancer?

Mammograms

• Primarily a screening test
• Detects non-palpable breast masses (detects 80-90%)
• Does not distinguish benign from malignant lesions
• Screening should start at age 40, every year; earlier if the individual is a high risk

Thermography

Mammograms expose the body to more radiology and we would like to provide a service that can be painless, no radiology exposure, and be able to detect tumors without compression of the breasts. For more information on thermography please click here.

Genetic Testing

What are the different types of breast cancer?

There are several types of breast cancer, including:

• Ductal carcinoma. This is the most common type and it begins in the lining of the ducts.
• Lobular carcinoma. This is the second most common type and it occurs in the lobules (milk-producing glands).
• Paget disease. This is a rare form of breast cancer that begins in the glands in or under the skin. It is often characterized by inflamed, red patches on the skin. Because Paget disease often originates from breast duct cancer. This eczema-like cancer usually appears around the nipple.
• Inflammatory breast cancer. This is a rare form of invasive breast cancer. Usually, there is no lump or tumor; rather this cancer makes the skin of the breast look red and feel warm. The breast skin also looks thick and pitted, much like an orange peel.
• Triple-negative breast cancers. These are breast cancers (most often invasive ductal carcinomas) that do not have estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors and do not have an excess of the HER2 protein on the cancer cell surfaces. These breast cancers tend to occur more often in younger women and in African-American women. They tend to grow and spread faster than most other types of breast cancer.

Types of breast cancer, in alphabetical order, are:

This information was provided by  the Georgia Regents Health System.

Breast Cancer and Metastasis 

The breast is categorized into four quadrants. The outer quadrant is the most common area where breast cancer is found and from here, spreads to axillary lymph nodes. Inner quadrant cancers spread to internal mammary nodes. Extranodal metastasis includes lungs, bones, liver, brain, and ovaries.

Breast cancer in men

1. Risk Factors
   1. Inactivation of the BRCA2 suppressor gene
   2. Klinefelter’s syndrome ( XXY): Chromosomal anomaly of extra X sex chromosome.  Men usually are characterized by female secondary sex characteristics including gynecomastia ( breast development) and female distribution of pubic hair.
2. Clinical findings: Bloody discharge from nipples and hard mass
3. Usually has a poor prognosis

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, who can I reach out to for immediate guidance and help? Email contact@IWillSurviveInc.org for even more resources. Fill out an application today!

Breast Cancer Hotlines

911- for emergencies.

Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER (TTY 1-800-332-8615)
A free service provided by the National Cancer Institute, the Cancer Information Service is a public hotline to interpret and explain cancer research findings in clear and understandable language. Call Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm ET to speak with a live person; recorded information about cancer is available 24 hours per day.

The American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345
The American Cancer Society is a volunteer advocacy organization that works to eliminate cancer through prevention, lifesaving treatment, and research, education, and direct service. Their 24-hour hotline provides information on all types of cancer from trained ACS staff.

Breast Cancer Network of Strength 1-800-221-2141 (En Espanol 1-800-986-9505)
The Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s YourShoes Support Center is a 24/7 hotline staffed exclusively by breast cancer survivors. These peer counselors match the caller with another survivor who has gone through a similar experience and also provide matches for family and friends of those fighting breast cancer.

What can you do for the prevention of breast cancer?

• Stay away from carcinogens!
• Do not wait to find ways to relieve stress. Pick up stress relief habits now.
• Do not wait to cut back on alcohol intake and quit smoking.
• Do not wait to start eating healthy. Did you know kale greens is in the top cancer-fighting foods? When was the last time you had some?
• Do try to stay away from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
• Do not continue eating excess processed foods and foods with GMO’s, BHT’s, and other carcinogens.
• What are carcinogens? – cancer-causing substances that are placed in many foods that the FDA approves in the United States of America. Carcinogens are placed in hygiene products as well.
• Do start your monthly breast self-exams. Talk to your doctor about any abnormalities. Men and women.
• Do not wait to let oxygen flow through your body. Deep breathing exercises help as well as picking up a good workout plan. Reach for 30 minutes of activity a day.
• Do breastfeed! Your baby needs the nutrients to continue on a healthy life, which also reduces your risk for breast cancer.
• Do not drink bottled water after it heats up. BPA is released into your water with heat. BPA exhibits hormone-like properties that raise a concern about its suitability in consumer products and food containers. Canada is the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance. (Bisphenol A)
• Do read the back of the ingredients on your food. Artificial sweeteners in sodas and many products that say “sugar-free” may be dangerous for you. (aspartame).
• If you choose to work with chemotherapy and radiology treatments, ask your doctor questions. Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion and understand everything presented to you. ASK!
• If you are recently diagnosed with breast cancer- immediately stop eating meats and dairy products for an optimal healing process and increase your water intake even more than the norm (half your body weight in ounces). Stick to a raw diet to rebuild the immune system.

You are not perfect, but you can try to prevent all diseases from taking over your body by taking care of yourself and your family. Educate yourself! Living in a pharmaceutical country is a little more difficult because you really have to be careful. -I Will Survive, Inc.