Monday 1st October 2018

Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy in women, however breast problems can also affect men. Every year, approximately 390 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer (Cancer Research UK, see below website).

Whilst very rare, it is important for men to be breast aware and act if they notice any changes in the breast/chest wall. This can include a lump, nipple discharge, nipple inversion and lumps in the armpit or a rash/sore area that will not go away.

GP’s can provide excellent advice if any changes are noticed or if there is concern about family history risk. You could also choose to self refer to The Harley Street Breast Clinic for a consultation with imaging and results on the same day. Our Consultant Breast Surgeon, Professor Ian Fentiman specialises in this area and in 2017 published “Male Breast Cancer”. This book details risks, symptoms, advancements in treatments as well as the psychological support pathways for those facing a diagnosis of breast cancer.   Professor Fentiman was interviewed by the Independent Doctors Federation about male breast cancer, see: https://www.idf.uk.net/common/knowledge-library.html#!/male-breast-cancer-treatments/male-breast-cancer-treatments/is-there-a-genetic-cause-for-male-breast-cancer

Men do also experience benign breast changes such as gynecomastia (swelling of the male breast) which can be diagnosed and discussed at The Harley Street Breast Clinic. Useful information to learn about this condition can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/what-is-gynaecomastia/

 

Link to Professor Ian Fentiman, Consultant Breast Surgeon’s book, “Male Breast Cancer”: https://www.springer.com/gb/book/9783319046686#aboutBook

Cancer Research UK website: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/stages-types-grades/types/male-breast-cancer

 

All linked websites were correct at the time of publishing 01/10/18, however Unilabs and The Harley Street Breast Clinic do not manage these external sites and are not responsible for their content.