Breast Cancer Not Just a Woman’s Disease

Breast cancer is a disease that affects more than 200,000 women each year, but a Geisinger physician cautions that women aren’t the only ones at risk.

“Breast cancer is a disease that can affect men as well as women,” said Samir Kheiri, M.D., a hematologist and medical oncologist at Geisinger Medical Center. “While women are much more likely to develop breast cancer, men also have breast tissue that can develop cancerous cells.”

Approximately 2,000 men are affected by breast cancer each year, Dr. Kheiri said, and nearly 25 percent of male cases are fatal.

Affected patients are usually between 60 and 70 years old, and many have a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition that puts them at risk. Exposure to radiation, high levels of estrogen and excessive use of alcohol are also factors that can increase a man’s risk of developing the disease.

“Developing breast cancer is not something most men think about, but if lumps appear in the chest region, specifically around the nipples, patients should consult with their physician,” said Dr. Kheiri.

Treatment options for male breast cancer are similar to the treatments women are offered. Depending on the severity of the cancer, a partial mastectomy can be performed, along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Many men need a full mastectomy, with a surgeon removing the entire breast and some lymph nodes that may spread under the armpit. Chest and arm muscles remain intact, allowing patients to retain functionality of the affected area.

“Treatment options differ from patient to patient, but lymph nodes under the breast and arm need to be eliminated in every case,” said Dr. Kheiri.

While male breast cancer is a rare condition, men should be aware of the fact that it is a disease that can affect both men and women, Dr. Kheiri said.

“Being aware that breast cancer is not solely a disease that affects females can help men detect warning signs earlier,” said Dr. Kheiri. “This can lead to more effective treatments and an enhanced ability to combat the disease.”

About Geisinger Health System

Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, Pa.) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations. Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

Source: Geisinger Health System