Breast Cancer in Men
What Are Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Men?
While breast cancer in men is not seen frequently, there are several factors which can increase a man’s risk of getting breast cancer.- Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age and most diagnoses are found after age 50
- Genetic mutations. Just as with women, inherited genetic mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase risk
- Family history of breast cancer. A history of breast cancer in close family members impacts the likelihood of a cancer presenting itself.
- Radiation therapy treatment. While radiation therapy to the chest area is generally considered quite safe, there are reports of men who have received radiation to the chest of having a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy treatment. Estrogen-containing medications which were used to treat prostate cancer in the past can increase men’s breast cancer risk.
- Klinefelter syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to the body making higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of androgens (hormones that help develop and maintain male sex characteristics).
- Certain conditions that affect the testicles. Injury to, swelling in, or surgery to remove the testicles can increase breast cancer risk.
- Liver disease. Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
- Overweight and obesity. Older men who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than men at a normal weight.