Breast CancerCancer, which is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer seen in women, can also affect men. In fact, the incidence of male breast cancer (MBC) is estimated to be around 0.5–1 percent of all breast cancer cases. “It is a rare male malignancy, but according to various recent studies, the incidence is gradually increasing; this creates a need to spread awareness for the same,” says Dr Kunjal Patel, Molecular Oncopathologist, Newberg Center for Genomic Center Huh.
According to the doctor, MBC is usually diagnosed at an advanced age, as men tend to ignore any event. lumps or swelling in their breasts, “It can be considered a disease of older men. The risk usually starts from the age of 60 and increases with age, with maximum cases being found in the age group of 70-75 years,” says Dr Patel.
Referring to a survey conducted by Goyal etc. In the year 2020 – it turned out that about 81 percent of men in her group were unaware of the symptoms of MBC and what measures can be taken to detect it early or early – the doctor says that we are trying to “start with early intervention and precision medicine.” Era.”, and “It is important to understand the risk factors, prognosis and early management of MBC”.
The Ahmedabad-based Newberg Center for Genomic Medicine (NCGM) conducted the survey. breast cancer Awareness and found that about 78 percent of a group of 231 individuals (men and women) were unaware of MBC, she says.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Dr Patel says the risk factors are many. “…lifestyle factors, occupational exposure to carcinogens, family history, and genetics,” she says.
“In most cases, MBCs are seen with a positive family history of cancer, high levels of estrogen, advanced age, and certain chromosomal abnormalities such as Klinefelter syndrome. About 20 percent of men who develop Breast CancerMutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or other high-risk genes such as CHECK2, PTEN, or PALB2 can be inherited,” explains the doctor, adding that men with BRCA2 gene mutations are more likely to develop breasts (7 in 100). cancer than with BRCA1 gene mutation (1 in 100).
“In a small study by NCGM, in a group of 20 men (14 affected and 6 unaffected/tested only for the BRCA1/2 gene), two were found to have BRCA1 mutations and two had BRCA2 pathogenic mutations, and they All were positive with a family history of cancer.”
It should be noted that men with breast cancer need to be offered genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 and other inherited cancer risk genes.
Doctors advise, “Screening for breast cancer, especially with a positive family history, has its benefits. It helps you get a diagnosis even before you develop the disease, and it can help reduce the progression of the disease.” And can help get proper treatment in time.”
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