June is Men’s Health Month
“The biggest risk to men, with regard to health, is resistance to checking with a doctor when something feels like it’s not quite right. It’s true that sometimes symptoms do self resolve. But the risk of letting something linger on are too high and it’s not worth it. If your mind revisits a symptom more than a few times, or if it persists for more than two weeks, get in and have it checked out. It’s probably nothing, but it’s worth the peace of mind to know that.” – Oregon Medical Group’s Chief Medical Officer, Stacy Chance, MD
For this year’s Men’s Health Month, we’re taking a special look at testicular and breast cancer. And yes, men are diagnosed with breast cancer. While not nearly as common in men as women, it’s a common enough occurrence – and misunderstood enough – that it’s worth some attention.
Breast cancer is more common in black men than in white men. (That’s true for black women compared with white women, too.) Because of systemic inequities in health care nationally, the prognosis for black people who are diagnosed with cancer are worse, too. Awareness is part – but not all of the solution to addressing this equity.
Breast cancers begin in different parts of the breast. Most begin in the glands that make breast milk – men have these ducts and glands, even though they don’t function. Other cancers begin in other breast tissue and are called sarcomas and lymphomas. Men do have breast tissue, though not usually as much as women.
The size of someone’s breasts doesn’t influence their risk of cancer, though it can impact how easily it can be detected. This carries over to men, though the rate of breast cancer for men is overall, lower than for women. This difference is largely because of differences at the genetic level and how that affects hormones, and because men have fewer ducts and lobules, which is where most breast cancer begins.
Statistically, the American Cancer Society predicts about 2,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men this year and that 530 men will die from it. As with all cancer, the best prevention is early detection.
Male breast cancer is uncommon enough that there is no standard screening for it, as there is for women. However, changes in tissue, lumps and pain are all reasons to see your provider – regardless of gender.
Testicular cancer is a more common risk, but it is highly treatable. Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. Still, it is the most common type of cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35. It typically occurs in only one testicle. It is highly treatable, even if it has spread beyond the testicle. Still, it is important to see a doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if the signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks. Watch for:
A lump or enlargement in either testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts (that’s not a typo – breasts can be related to testicular cancer)
Back pain
About 90 percent of all testicular cancer begins in germ cells – which are what eventually develop into sperm. These germ cells will clump together to form a mass or tumor. Testicular cancer is more common among non-Hispanic white men than others. There is a higher risk for those with undescended testicles (even if you have had surgery) or if a biological parent or sibling has had it.
Treatments for testicular cancer vary and are highly effective. They typically don’t impact sex drive or fertility. If treated early, the cure rate is 98%.