At SSCHRC, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. This guide offers detailed and patient-friendly information about male breast cancer, covering general facts, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. We are committed to providing you with expert, compassionate care every step of the way.
While breast cancer is most commonly associated with women, it is a diagnosis thousands of men receive each year in India.
Similar to female breast cancer, the disease in men is classified based on the molecular receptor status of the cancer cells. These receptors are molecules on the cell surface that bind with specific proteins or hormones, often fuelling cancer growth. Interrupting this bond is a primary strategy for treatment.
The three main molecular receptor types are:
These cancers recognise the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Approximately 90% of male breast cancers fall into this category.
These cells produce much higher levels of the HER2 protein than normal, which promotes cell growth and multiplication. Around 9% of male breast cancers are both hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive.
This subtype does not recognise HER2, oestrogen, or progesterone. Lacking a molecular receptor target, it is considered the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat.
Several factors can increase a man's chance of developing breast cancer:
The symptoms of male breast cancer closely mirror those seen in women. Early detection relies on being familiar with the normal look and feel of your chest and promptly reporting any changes to your doctor.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also signal other health problems, so a medical evaluation is essential.
If you or your doctor notice any changes, an investigation will be conducted to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Your doctor will manually check your breast and armpit for any lumps or abnormalities.
These are typically the first step if breast cancer is suspected.
If imaging reveals a suspicious mass or skin thickening, a tissue sample is needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Once a breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the cancer cells are analysed to determine the molecular receptor subtype (e.g., hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative). This information is crucial for developing a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan.
Treatment for male breast cancer is similar to that for female breast cancer, but the smaller amount of breast tissue in men can influence surgical options and how the cancer may spread. Treatment plans are personalised based on the cancer's type, stage, hormone receptor status, and the patient's overall health.
The main treatments include: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Targeted Therapy, Hormone Therapy, and Immunotherapy.
Surgery is often the initial treatment, involving the removal of the tumour(s) and nearby lymph nodes for staging.
SSCHRC's breast cancer surgeons are highly skilled and use the least-invasive, most effective techniques. For patients needing reconstructive surgery, our surgeons plan procedures to minimise scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Potential Side Effects of Surgery:
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, control their growth, or relieve symptoms. It can involve a single drug or a combination, administered as pills, injections, or intravenously (IV). Treatments are often given in cycles, typically over three to six months.
Chemotherapy is particularly recommended if the tumour is large or aggressive, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, or the cancer is HER2-positive or triple-negative.
Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy:
Radiation therapy uses focused beams of energy to destroy cancer cells, accurately targeting the tumour while minimising damage to healthy tissue. It can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.
Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:
These drugs are designed to interfere with the specific molecules or genes that cancer cells need to survive, multiply, and spread.
Common Side Effects of Targeted Therapy:
Since approximately 90% of male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy is a cornerstone of treatment. It works by interfering with the hormones (like oestrogen) that fuel cancer growth, either by blocking them from attaching to cancer cells or by lowering the body's hormone production.
Duration: Often prescribed as a long-term treatment, typically for five to 10 years after initial therapy, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Common Side Effects of Hormone Therapy:
Immunotherapy is a treatment that improves the immune system's ability to find and destroy cancer cells. It may be used in male patients diagnosed with the rarer triple-negative breast cancer and is often combined with chemotherapy for more effective results.
Common Side Effects of Immunotherapy:
After completing treatment, continued care is vital to maintain health and monitor for any signs of recurrence. Male breast cancer survivors should: