From the Research
Male breast cancer is a rare condition with an estimated incidence of about 1% of all breast cancer cases, and in Lithuania, it is similar to the European average, with approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases occurring in men, as reported by 1. According to the most recent and highest quality study, the incidence of male breast cancer is rising worldwide, and it is essential to be aware of the risk factors, which include genetic predisposition, family history, hormonal imbalances, radiation exposure, and certain conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, as highlighted in 2. Some key points to consider are:
- The average age at diagnosis is around 65-70 years, as mentioned in 2
- Men should be aware of any unusual changes in their breast tissue, such as lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge, and seek medical attention promptly if these occur, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, as emphasized in 1
- The major risk factors for the development of male breast cancer include advancing age, hormonal imbalance, radiation exposure, and a family history of breast cancer, as discussed in 3
- The most relevant risk factor for the development of male breast cancer is a mutation in the BRCA2 gene, as stated in 2 and 3 It is crucial to prioritize early detection and awareness of male breast cancer to improve treatment outcomes, as the incidence is rising, and men are at special risk for developing a second cancer, as mentioned in 3.