Male Breast Cancer Cases Increased by 26 Percent Over the Last 25 Years

While the incidence of breast cancer in men is increasing globally, experts note a 26 percent rate recorded over the last twenty-five years.

Symptoms and Diagnostic Methods

Diagnosis of breast cancer in men mostly begins with a physical examination, evaluating painless hard masses under the nipple. In suspected cases, ultrasound and mammography methods are applied. For a definitive diagnosis, a tissue sample is taken via fine-needle or core biopsy to examine the tumor type, hormone receptors, and HER2 status.

Surgical Treatment Approaches

When surgical intervention is required, a process similar to that in women is followed, but due to the limited breast tissue in men, the removal of the entire breast is mostly preferred. In early-stage and appropriate cases, breast-conserving surgery can also be applied, followed by post-surgical treatment planning.

Turkey and World Data

While national records in Turkey remain at a limited level, experts report seeing 200 to 250 new male cases on an annual basis. In men, who account for approximately 1 percent of cases worldwide, thousands of new diagnoses are expected in the US according to American Cancer Society data.

Awareness and Early Diagnosis

Although the scarcity of breast tissue in men makes it easier to feel masses, complaints are generally neglected due to societal misconceptions. In individuals with a family history and carrying a BRCA mutation, the risk increases exponentially, which demonstrates that early diagnosis is of vital importance.