"Breast cancer in men" can sound like a contradiction. It's less common but equally problematic.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, approximately 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Approximately 510 will die from it in 2025. Seniors are most at risk.
Senior living in West Windsor Township offers a suburban feel with urban amenities and beautiful parks.
Read on to learn about breast cancer in men.
Breast cancer is more common in women. Only approximately1% of cases occur in men.
In males, it develops in the denser breast tissue behind the nipple.
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer in men. Seniors aged 60-70 are at a higher risk than the general population.
Other risk factors include:
Male breast cancer can be a silent killer. You might not even notice that it's started to develop until it's progressed into the later stages.
The most common early symptomsinclude:
Breast cancer in men and women differs, but they require similar treatments. These can include surgeries or therapies.
Breast cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. It's a widespread option used in almost all forms of cancer treatment. It kills a wide range of cells and is fast-acting enough to stop cancer.
Breast cancer can result from excess energy, which is why another therapy can work. Anti-estrogen therapy can get levels closer to normal and remove the cancer.
Radiation gives these therapies a boost. When it's delivered over a targeted area, it can remove cancer cells.
Removing breast tissue can stop breast cancer from developing and keep it from spreading to other parts of the body. There are two main options.
A mastectomy removes almost all the breast tissue. Certain lymph nodes may also be removed to keep cancer from spreading to them.
There are also breast-conserving options. A lumpectomy removes any existing cancerous tumors and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
The surgery is an effective treatment for early-stage breast cancer. It also helps preserve healthy tissue.
Preventing breast cancer in men means starting early. Proper education and a healthy lifestyle are the best tools.
Education is one part of the fight against all cancers that is sorely lacking.
Most men might not even know they can get breast cancer until it's too late. That's why it's important to promote educational resources. They can also help reduce the stigma surrounding the condition.
This education should take place around the world and within senior living communities.
While getting screened for cancer remains one of the best early detection methods, it varies between genders. Men don't need to attend the same types of regular screenings for breast cancer as women do.
However, they should not ignore changes. Go to the doctor if you notice any lumps or differences in your breast tissue. Early detection is a lifesaver.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the risk of all cancers. It's an important preventative step regardless of your gender.
Stay away from unhealthy habits. Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco completely.
Remember to exercise regularly. According to CDC recommendations, adults need at least 175 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. It not only lowers your cancer risk but also improves cognitive health and mental wellness.
Preventing and treating breast cancer is an important part of senior men's health. Their risk increases with age, so it's never been more important to stay on top of it than when joining a senior living community.
Assisted living and memory care education should be baked into the community's structure. It should let everyone, men and women, know what conditions they're at risk for. It should also explain how to prevent them.
Participating in the community's activities and events can help you stay physically active. It also gives you a chance to spend time with new friends.
The community can also help those who may be struggling to care for themselves. Assisted living communities can help residents keep on schedule. They'll remember appointments and take medication as scheduled.
That support is especially important in memory care in NJ. Cognitive decline makes it even more difficult.
The average age at diagnosis is 67. The most common period for diagnosis is around 60 to 70 years old.
While seniors are more prone to the condition, it's important to remember that it's not an "old man's disease." It can happen to anyone at any time.
There are several conditions that can be mistaken for breast cancer in men.
One of the most common is gynecomastia. It's a general term for an increase in a man's breast tissue.
Other possible changes that can be mistaken for breast cancer are non-cancerous lumps or masses. These include:
Research suggests that, even though fewer cases exist in men, they have a higher fatality rate. A study by Varzura VB, et al found the 3-year survival rate is 88.9% for men compared to 91.0% for women.
One reason for this difference is that men tend to ignore it. They dismiss lumps or other warning signs.
By the time they're diagnosed, their cancer also tends to be at advanced stages. That means it could be too late to treat it effectively.
Breast Cancer in Men is possible, but with the right treatment and prevention strategy, it's also survivable.
Bear Creek Assisted Living is a close-knit West Windsor, NJ senior living community. Enjoy a sense of belonging with dedicated staff to tend to your needs. Explore amenities and participate in daily activities.
We offer memory care and assisted living in West Windsor Township. Contact us today to schedule a tour.