Dear Gender sensitive,

Breast cancer occurs quite infrequently in men, accounting for only 1 percent of all male cancers, and less than 1 percent of all the breast cancer cases. The microscopic structure of the tissue in male breast cancer is identical to female breast cancer, and male breast cancer usually presents in the form of a small lump, similar to female breast cancer cases. Treatment is also identical for both genders.

The difference between male and female breast cancer is that male breast tumors tend to be more aggressive, resulting in a poor prognosis sooner than in women. The incidence rate of male breast cancer does not increase with age, but remains constant over the lifespan. Risk for breast cancer in men is increased in men with Klinefelter's syndrome, gynecomastia, and testicular pathology and dysfunction. Elevated serum cholesterol, gallstones, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and chronic liver disease may also be associated with increased risk of male breast cancer. A decrease in risk may be associated with high levels of fertility, and a history of prostate cancer. Because few breast cancer cases exist in men limited research has been undertaken to understand what role hormones play in the development of male breast cancer.

Alice

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