Family History Of Breast Cancer And Breast Cancer Risk In Men
Men who have a strong family history of breast cancer, such as mother and/or sister diagnosed at age 40 or younger, have a higher than average risk of breast cancer .
If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk with your provider about whether genetic counseling and genetic testing may be right for you.
Background And Study Design
Male breast cancer is a rare disease compared with female BC and our current understanding regarding breast carcinogenesis in men has been largely extrapolated from the female counterpart. We focus on differences between the ethical issues related to male and female BC patients. A systematic literature search by using PubMed , was carried out to provide a synopsis of the current research in the field of MBC genetics, epigenetics and ethics. Original articles and reviews published up to September 2012 were selected by using the following search key words to query the PubMed website: male breast cancer, male breast cancer and genetic susceptibility, male breast cancer and epigenetics, male breast cancer and methylation, male breast cancer and miRNA, male breast cancer and ethics.
Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In Men
The most common symptom for men with breast cancer include:
- lump in the breast that is nearly always painless
- oozing from the nipple that may be blood stained
- a nipple that is pulled into the breast
- swelling of the breast
- a sore in the skin of the breast
- lump or swelling under the arm
- a rash on or around the nipple
If you have any of these symptoms it is important to go to your GP straight away. Finding a cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment.
Read Also: How Do You Get Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Treatments For Men
Treatment options for men are similar to womens: mastectomy, which is surgery to remove the breast, or in some cases lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone therapy. Hormone drug treatments include aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen, which lower estrogen levels in the bloodstream or prevent estrogen in the bloodstream from interacting with estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells.
When used in men, aromatase inhibitors are often given in combination with another drug luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist to adequately suppress estrogen levels. An LHRH agonist keeps the testicles from making sex hormones by blocking other hormones. Wedam explains that this is important because aromatase inhibitors are commonly used in combination with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, which treat hormone receptor positive breast cancer that has spread outside of the breast.
For men with larger tumors or tumors that have spread outside of the breast, chemotherapy is often recommended in addition to hormone treatment, just as it is for women. And men whose tumors are HER2 positive or have certain changes in them are recommended to receive treatment with drugs that work against those targets, just as women are.
Prevalence Of Genetic Mutations In Different Ethnic Groups
Often genetic mutations are more common in certain ethnic groups, this is because a race can track their ancestors back to one geographic location, the mutated genes are then passed from ancestors down through generations which is why some ethnicities are more susceptible to mutations, thus increasing their chances of developing cancer . As mentioned above, this can be useful as it can help health professionals assess a patientâs risk of having a mutation before they undergo testing.Werner’s Syndrome has a prevalence of 1 in 200,000 live births in the U.S., but it affects individuals in Japan in 1 in 20,000-40,000 cases.1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews have a BRCA mutation, this is a huge contrast from the general population in the United States where 1 in 400 people are affected. Ashkenazi Jews are at high risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and it is recommend that they undergo both genetic testing to see if they have a mutation and regular screening for cancer.
Don’t Miss: How Would I Know If I Have Breast Cancer
But Hearing The Words Can Still Be Scary
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women after skin cancer but that doesn’t mean men aren’t at risk as well. What can we help you find? In fact, most people don’t even know what it does. It may grow slowly and it’s typically treatable. If you’ve received a diagnosis, here are some things you need to know about the condition. If your diagnosis is thyroid cancer, you may be able to breathe a bit easier, as it’s one of the most treatable cancers when caugh. The hormones that your thyroid gland produces help regulate several of your bodily functions. Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer. Understanding liver cancer is important if you want to develop an effective treatment plan and live a long and healthy life. However, as with other types of cancer,. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. These include your blood pressure, heart rate and metab.
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. In fact, most people don’t even know what it does. If you’ve received a diagnosis, here are some things you need to know about the condition. Enter search terms and tap the search button. Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer.
Targeted Cancer Drug Therapy
Your doctor will check your cancer cells for proteins called HER2 receptors. But these are rarely found in male breast cancer. If your cancer cells have a lot of these receptors, your doctor will prescribe a targeted drug treatment for you.
The most common targeted drug for breast cancer is trastuzumab .
Don’t Miss: What Is The Survival Rate Of Breast Cancer Stage 4
Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, also known as Gorlin syndrome, is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome in which the risk of basal cell carcinoma is very high. The disease is characterized by basal cellnevi, jaw keratocysts and skeletal abnormalities. Estimates of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome prevalence varies, but is approximately 1 in 60000. The presence of basal cell carcinoma is much higher in white than black individuals 80% and 38%, respectively. Odontogenic keratocysts are found in approximately 75% of individuals with the disease and often occur early in life. The most common skeletal abnormalities occur in the head and face, but other areas are often affected such as the rib cage. The causative genetic mutation of this disease occurs in the PTCH gene, and the product of PTCH is a tumor suppressor involved in cell signaling. Although the exact role of this protein in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is not known, it is involved in the hedgehog signaling pathway, known to control cell growth and development.
Inherited Pathogenic Variants Contribution To Mbc Development
Studies in MBC have revealed an evident family clustering of some cases and the contribution of the genes initially identified in the female population as risk factors for MBC as well. Indeed, PVs in BRCA1, and mainly in BRCA2, were the first to be associated with an increased risk of BC in men . MGPT has contributed to the identification of cancer predisposing genes associated with the development of the disease in men, showing that the germline alterations contributing to MBC are similar to those related to FBC, including PVs in high- or moderate-penetrance BC genes, as well as more common low-penetrance variants . Depending on the studied population, PVs in cancer-related genes can be detected in up to a third of cases. Currently, PVs in two high-penetrance BC genes, mainly BRCA2 but also BRCA1, and other two moderate-penetrance BC genes, PALB2 and CHEK2, are established as genetic risk factors for MBC, with emerging evidence for the ATM gene .
You May Like: What Age Should You Get Checked For Breast Cancer
How Is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your breast tissue, paying close attention to any lumps or abnormalities. Your provider may take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab.
To look for cancer cells in breast tissue, your provider may do a biopsy. Using a thin needle, your provider removes a sample of the breast tissue and sends it to a lab. The lab tests the tissue for cancer cells.
To see pictures of your breast tissue, your provider may order imaging studies. These include:
- Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to see images of soft tissues.
- MRI: An MRI produces images of breast tissue using a high-powered magnet and radio waves.
Learn About The Impact Of Your Genes On Cancer Risk
Cancer is caused by genetic changes that trigger cells to grow out of control, but it is not usually hereditary. Cancer-causing genetic mutations in segments of DNA can be inherited or, more commonly, acquired over time.
Inherited gene mutations are passed from parents reproductive cells to their offspringand are present in all body cells of the offspring. Acquired genetic mutations, on the other hand, originate in one cell due to things like cell division errors or exposure to carcinogens , like tobacco or radiation.
Most cancers are multifactorial, which means your risk goes up depending on a variety of factors including your genetics, environment, lifestyle, and personal health history. Learn more about cancer genetics and how gene mutations may cause cancer.
Don’t Miss: What Happens After Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast Cancer Is Hereditary
Most of the cases of breast cancer have no family history. Breast cancer can be a result of change of genes and only 10-15 percent of children inherit such mutations from their parents. About 90 percent of cases are non-hereditary in nature. This means external factors like environment, alcohol, smoking and age might be the reason.
Multigene Panel Testing In Mbc
Next-generation sequencing has made possible the sequencing of multiple genes simultaneously through personalized multigene panels, which are now widely used in clinical practice following recommendations from cancer-specific guidelines . In the FBC field, multigene panel testing has rapidly substituted BRCA1/2-only testing, since its use has shown to increase the detection rate of clinically relevant PVs in up to two-fold . The wideness of the panel varies according to the country , and it seems that a specific small group of high-, moderate-, and low-penetrance genes can provide clinical benefits when included in a gene panel for BC predisposition in women .
The clinical impact of multiple gene testing in MBC is still not clear, and probably, international cooperative efforts will be necessary to clarify this issue due to the rarity of the disease. Worries about MGPT use for men with BC are the same as those related to their application for women with BC, which can be added to the fact that knowledge of the germline PVs in MBC is scarcer and includes the absence of specific guidelines for the management of patients harboring PVs, the identification of multiple VUS with undefined clinical impacts, and patient harm due to anxiety by the findings, in addition to the financial impact on health systems .
Read Also: Can Cancer Spread To The Breast
What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk
If several members of your family have had breast or ovarian cancer, or one of your family members has a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, share this information with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling. In men, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of breast cancer, high-grade prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
If genetic testing shows that you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, your doctor will explain what you should do to find cancer early, if you get it.
All men can lower their risk by keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly.
Treatment Options For Colon Cancer
Surgery:
This is the most common treatment for colon cancer and is called asurgical resection. In this procedure along with the affected part, part of the healthy colon or rectum and lymph nodes will be removed. Surgery is done by either of the three methods open method, laparoscopic method and robotic method.
Chemotherapy:
It is the use of cytotoxic or anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells, and is often used as a treatment option for colon cancer
Targeted therapy:
This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting the damage that is done to healthy cells. The different types of targeted therapies include anti-angiogenesis therapy, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and checkpoint Inhibitors
Radiation therapy:
Radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation is used for the liver metastasis. In this procedure, high energy radio waves are used to kill tumours.
You May Like: Can Estroven Cause Breast Cancer
Implications For Systemic Treatment
Knowledge of the germline mutational status in MBC might have important therapeutic implications, with an impact on survival. Due to the mechanism of action of platinum compounds, which create DNA crosslinks and consequent double-stranded breaks , BRCA1/2-related BC are known to present a significant response to platinum-based chemotherapy . HRR is the major cell surveillance mechanism of DNA double-stranded break repair necessary for genome integrity after platinum damaging, mainly triggered by functional HRR genes such as BRCA1/2, among others. The phenotype of deficiency of homologous recombination is of clinical relevance, as it is indicative of a sensitivity to targeted therapy with poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase inhibitors , as well as to DNA damaging reagents such as platinum compounds .
Is Thyroid Cancer Hereditary
The thyroid gland is located in the front part of the neck and has two lobes. These lobes are located on either side of the windpipe and are joined by a thin strip of tissue.
The thyroid gland makes hormones necessary for growth, metabolism and development of the body.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Don’t Miss: How To Check Breast For Breast Cancer
What Men Should Know About Genetic Breast Cancer
While men are less likely to develop breast cancer, they can carry theBRCA genetic mutation, which is linked to breast cancer.
Breast cancer is not common in men, but it does occur. According to the American Cancer Society an estimated 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2017.
Unfortunately, because male breast cancer is rare, researchers dont have a lot of information on it.
The entire field of male breast cancer is plagued by a lack of evidence, says Gabriel Hortobagyi, M.D., clinical professor of breast medical oncology.
But we do know that it is often linked to a family history of the disease.
About 1 in 5 men with breast cancer have a close relative male or female with the disease. These men may have a gene mutation, or defect, called BRCA1 or BRCA2, or simply referred to as BRCA.
Just like women, men who are at risk for breast cancer should undergo genetic counseling and genetic testing to determine if they have the disease. We talked with Hortobagyi about what men should know about the BRCA genetic mutation. Heres what he had to say.
How does a man know if he should receive genetic test for the BRCA genetic mutation?
Men should undergo genetic screening if they:
- Have a first-degree relative with early onset breast cancer, breast cancer in both breasts or ovarian cancer
Why should men be tested for the BRCA mutation?
What next steps should a man who carried the BRCA mutation take?
Although The Percentage Of Cases In Men Is Much Lower Than In Women Male Breast Cancer Accounts For A Por
These include your blood pressure, heart rate and metab. Both articles and products will be. If breast cancer is diagnosed at an early enough stage, it’s treatable. Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer. Although the percentage of cases in men is much lower than in women, male breast cancer accounts for a por. If your diagnosis is thyroid cancer, you may be able to breathe a bit easier, as it’s one of the most treatable cancers when caugh. Hearing the doctor tell you that you’ve got cancer is undoubtedly one of the worst things you may experience. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patient’s chance of survival is. If you’ve received a diagnosis, here are some things you need to know about the condition. There is little evidence to support a link between zinc and prostate cancer, but caution with supplements is still recommended. It may grow slowly and it’s typically treatable. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women after skin cancer but that doesn’t mean men aren’t at risk as well.
Of course, your specialist is the main person whose advice you should follow but it doesn’t do anyone harm. If breast cancer is diagnosed at an early enough stage, it’s treatable. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. In fact, most people don’t even know what it does. These include your blood pressure, heart rate and metab.
Recommended Reading: What To Do If Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
Factors That Cause Genetic Mutations
Many environmental and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of cancer.
These include:
- Tobacco, which contains a slew of carcinogens, depending on the type, such as nicotine, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Exposure to asbestos, coal, radon, or other carcinogens where you work or live
- Advancing age