Breast cancer in males risk factors

Breast cancer in males is scarce throughout the world when compared to the statistics of breast cancer in females. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society estimates that one man in every 833 is prone to develop breast cancer. The way breast cancer progresses the same in both genders, but early detection and diagnosis are usually made late in males. Extensive research is still being carried out to identify the exact causes of breast cancer. Fortunately, breast cancer in males risk factors is clear enough to help enlist these vulnerabilities that could potentially increase the chances of breast cancer development.

A risk factor is simply anything that elevates the chances of acquiring a medical condition, a disease, or influence the development of dangerous symptoms. It is important to understand that acquiring or developing a risk factor does not mean that you will eventually develop the disease. Below are the various breast cancer males risk factors.

Aging

Growing old is an inevitable and natural process that not only declines the internal body functions and physical appearance but also increases the probability of one developing various diseases or medical conditions. The average age of breast cancer diagnosed in men ranges between 50 years to 70 years of age. The risk in males to develop breast cancer increases with age. Aging is a risk factor that cannot be changed. Still, taking care of your health and going for bi-annual complete health check-ups by healthcare professionals helps avoid such diseases, even at an old age.

Family History

The chances of acquiring breast cancer increase pretty much by the fact that family members or close relatives have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. In the list of breast cancer in males risk factors, family history should not be ignored as 1 in every 5 men diagnosed with breast cancer have reported a family history of breast cancer, particularly in males.

Gene mutations

Researchers and scientists have highlighted a strong association between gene mutation and the development of breast cancer in males as well as females. Defects in two key genes have been identified that potentially trigger the disease. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene defects in parents have a 50% chance of being inherited by an offspring. In light of reported statistics, 6 in 100 men with BRCA2 gene defects develop breast cancer, and only 1 in 100 having a BRCA1 gene defect report breast cancer.

When analyzing breast cancer in males risk factors, gene mutations are of utmost importance because someone having a family history of such mutations can opt for genetic testing to clarify the chances of breast cancer development. There are also reported cases of other gene mutations such as PTEN, CHEK2, and PALB2 genes that can potentially trigger breast cancer in men.

Klinefelter syndrome

Under normal conditions, women have 2 X chromosomes, while men have an X chromosome along with a Y chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome is a birth defect (congenital) where the affected men have more than one X chromosome within their cells. The number can go up to 4 X chromosomes. The syndrome can develop in 1 out of every 1000 men. Massive hormonal imbalance occurs where male hormone (androgen) levels are underproduced, and the female hormones (estrogen) are overproduced.

In the list of breast cancer in males risk factors, Klinefelter syndrome is recognizable early on because of the evident body changes. The affected have very small testicles, thin beards, long legs, develop gynecomastia (benign male tissue growth), and are unable to produce sperms (infertile). Men with Klinefelter syndrome have 20 to 60 times increased chances of developing breast cancer.

Estrogen therapy

Long-discontinued therapy was used to treat men suffering from prostate cancer. Transgender/transsexual people receiving hormone replacement therapy or estrogen therapy are also at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Radiation exposure

People who have had experienced long-term radiation exposure are more likely to develop breast cancer. The exposure usually occurs when treating another type of cancer within the chest.

Lifestyle health risk factors

So far, we have discussed various breast cancer in males risk factors, but there are certain lifestyle habits as well that pose as breast cancer males risk factors. Let’s briefly go through the most important lifestyle health risk factors.

Alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is one major unhealthy lifestyle habit that increases breast cancer risk in men. Drinking alcohol under recommended limits does not cause any problems. However, over the limit use not only increases risk but also affects the liver. The balance of hormones is normally maintained by the liver. In the case of excessive alcohol use, the balance is disturbed, further aggravating the risk. Eventually, liver cirrhosis can occur in which the capacity at which the liver works is greatly reduced. There are a plethora of studies that have linked regular alcohol consumption with the development of breast cancer. It is always advised to limit alcohol usage to 2 to 3 drinks a week and opt for rehabilitation in chronic usage.

Limited physical activity

Not having an exercise routine is one of the major breast cancer in males risk factors. Healthcare professionals advise a regular exercise routine to stay fit and healthy. Physical activity alone boosts the immune system, increases metabolic activities within the body, and prevents the development of chronic diseases and breast cancer.

Obesity is linked to having limited physical activity along with an unhealthy diet. These three lifestyle behaviors together can trigger breast cancer development.

Conclusion about Breast cancer in males risk factors 

Breast cancer is not a disease that men should be worried about. Still, there are certain risk factors such as having a family history or gene defects that are one of the principal breast cancer in males risk factors. Such men with evident risk factors should always take care of their health by eating healthy, maintaining physical activity, and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits. Moreover, discuss your concern with your local healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and timely treatment; if the breast cancer is identified and diagnosed,

We hope you found this article on Breast cancer in males risk factors helpful. You may be also interested in Treatment for breast cancer in males.

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