Although it's rare, men can get breast cancer. As senior men in Royal Palm Beach, recognizing the signs and understanding the risks helps you stay proactive about their health. Early detection and male breast cancer awareness can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men this year alone. This statistic may surprise many residents of Royal Palm Beach, FL, and the question of 'can men get breast cancer?' deserves serious attention.
At Capstone at Royal Palm Senior Living, we want to give residents a full understanding of their health. Knowing about breast cancer in men helps our residents look after their well-being.
Below is a guide that gives seniors helpful facts about breast cancer in men.
Several factors increase the risk of breast cancer in men. Male breast cancer awareness starts with knowing which conditions and habits raise the chances. Here are some risk factors for men:
Age is the biggest risk factor. The average diagnosis age for breast cancer is 68 years old, according to the National Cancer Institute. As men age, hormone levels like testosterone decline, increasing the risk.
Other health conditions common in seniors may weaken the immune system. These reasons highlight the value of targeted education through the SHINE memory care Royal Palm Beach community.
Some hereditary factors can greatly increase risk. Men who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a much higher chance of developing breast cancer. Having female relatives with breast or ovarian cancer also raises risk because of shared genetics.
Certain lifestyle and health conditions affect hormone balance and raise the risk. Some risks in assisted living in Royal Palm Beach include:
These lifestyle and medical factors matter, especially for seniors choosing healthier paths. Aging and wellness tips come in handy to help older men reduce the risk of cancer.
Breast cancer in men usually begins in the milk ducts, similar to women's cases. Men have small amounts of breast tissue containing ducts, but rarely have milk-producing lobules.
The most common type of cancer in men is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts. Lobular carcinoma is rare because men lack lobules.
Some aggressive forms, like inflammatory breast cancer, affect the skin and lymph vessels. These variations help doctors classify and treat breast cancer in men properly. This cancer can spread through:
It may travel via the bloodstream to organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones. This cancer can also grow directly into nearby muscles or skin. Assisted living in Royal Palm Beach offers senior health education programs that can help older men catch cancer early, before it's too aggressive.
Recognizing early symptoms is important. Men should watch for these signs:
Symptoms can be subtle, so awareness is crucial. Men should see a healthcare provider if a lump persists for weeks, skin irritation worsens, nipple discharge is bloody, or there is unusual pain.
The SHINE memory care Royal Palm Beach team understands how important it is to support seniors in noticing and addressing these symptoms quickly.
Most breast lumps in men happen because of gynecomastia. This condition makes breast tissue grow larger due to hormone changes. It affects many teenage boys and older men throughout their lives.
Other causes include fatty tumors called lipomas, fluid-filled cysts, and breast infections. These are usually harmless conditions that cause no serious problems. Some medications and health conditions can also cause breast tissue to swell.
Any new lump should be checked by a doctor right away. Most lumps are not dangerous or cancerous. However, you need a proper medical exam to know for sure what causes your specific lump.
Breast pain in men usually comes from gynecomastia or muscle strain. Chest wall injuries can also cause pain. These are the most common reasons men feel breast discomfort and tenderness.
Hormone changes, certain medicines, and underlying health conditions can trigger pain. Physical activities may cause trauma to the chest area. Stress and bacterial infections can also make your chest hurt.
Pain alone rarely means cancer is present. However, you should see a doctor if the pain gets worse over time. Severe discomfort needs immediate medical attention to find the real cause.
Several conditions can be mistaken for breast cancer in men. One common condition is gynecomastia, which is the swelling of breast tissue caused by hormonal changes. It's not cancer and is generally harmless.
Another condition is fat necrosis. It happens when fatty tissue in the breast is damaged and forms scar-like lumps. These lumps can feel similar to cancer, but are not dangerous.
Cysts and infections may also cause lumps or pain in the breast area. While these conditions are benign, it's vital to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor.
Can men get breast cancer? Yes, and awareness is just one aspect of comprehensive senior wellness. Staying informed about health risks while not letting fears overshadow the joy of senior living is necessary.
At The Capstone at Royal Palm Senior Living, our assisted living and memory care community provides the perfect environment for health-conscious seniors. Our SHINE® Memory Care program offers specialized support that preserves the dignity of residents with memory concerns. Through our exclusive Dimensions Health & Wellness program, we address every aspect of your well-being, including male breast cancer awareness.
Reach out to us today and get comprehensive care that enriches your daily life.