Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Men

Executive Summary

Risk factors influence the chance of developing cancer among individuals, but individuals with no risk factors also develop cancer. Men above 50 years of age are more prone to the risk of breast cancer development. Breast cancer risks in men are increased by genetic changes in specific genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Also, family history is another significant risk factor for breast cancer in men. Patients who have had thoracic chemotherapy treatment are more likely to get breast cancer. In men, breast cancer risk is also increased by an estrogen-containing drug previously used to treat the disease. Other risk factors involved in breast cancer development in men are Klinefelter syndrome which affects the testicles, liver cirrhosis, and obesity.

Risk Factors Associated with Breast Cancer in Men

breast cancer in men

Breast cancer risks factors in men jump up as people get older. Above 50 is the age where a lot of breast cancers get detected. This cancer risks in men are increased by genetic changes in specific genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 ​1​. 

Breast cancer runs in the family, and if a relative of one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk of getting breast cancer increases ​2​. 

Radiation therapy is one of the methods to treat breast cancer. Patients who have had thoracic chemotherapy treatment are more likely to get breast cancer. 

Hormone therapy is also one of the methods to treat breast cancer, and the therapy involves the use of hormones. The breast cancer risk in men is increased by an estrogen-containing drug previously used to treat the disease ​3​.

Klinefelter syndrome is a condition that affects people. A male with Klinefelter syndrome consists of an extra X chromosome, a hereditary condition.

This situation can cause the entire body to give more oestrogen while giving rise to fewer androgens. 

The testicles are affected by several conditions. Damage to the testicles and inflammation of any sort of surgery to remove them can raise the risks of breast cancer in men. 

The illness of the liver. In men, cirrhosis can diminish androgen levels while raising oestrogen levels, increasing the risks of breast cancer ​4​. 

Men who have excess fat or are overweight have a very high chance of developing breast cancer ​5​.

References

  1. 1.
    Goodman MT, Tung KH, Wilkens LR. Comparative Epidemiology of Breast Cancer Among Men and Women in the US, 1996 to 2000. Cancer Causes Control. Published online March 2006:127-136. doi:10.1007/s10552-005-5384-y
  2. 2.
    Abdelwahab Yousef AJ. Male Breast Cancer: Epidemiology and Risk Factors. Seminars in Oncology. Published online August 2017:267-272. doi:10.1053/j.seminoncol.2017.11.002
  3. 3.
    Kanhai RCJ, Hage JJ, van Diest PJ, Bloemena E, Mulder JW. Short-Term and Long-Term Histologic Effects of Castration and Estrogen Treatment on Breast Tissue of 14 Male-to-Female Transsexuals in Comparison With Two Chemically Castrated Men. The American Journal of Surgical Pathology. Published online January 2000:74. doi:10.1097/00000478-200001000-00009
  4. 4.
    Sørensen HT, Friis S, Olsen JH, et al. Risk of Breast Cancer in Men With Liver Cirrhosis. American Journal of Gastroenterology. Published online February 1998:231-233. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.1998.00231.x
  5. 5.
    Ewertz M, Holmberg L, Tretli S, Pedersen BV, Kristensen A. Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer—A Case-Control Study from Scandinavia. Acta Oncologica. Published online June 1, 2001:467-471. doi:10.1080/028418601750288181