Just as with breast cancer in women, the longer symptoms are ignored, the greater the chances of the disease advancing. Diagnosis of breast cancer at later or more advanced stages generally warrants more aggressive treatment and may reduce survival rates. Because of this perception by many that men do not get breast cancer, a man may have difficulty receiving and accepting the diagnosis. He may experience a wide range of conflicting emotions, including fear, embarrassment, feeling isolated. It is important that these issues are addressed, that he find someone he can talk with about his feelings, and that support is sought.
Early detection is the key to improving the chances of successful treatment.
Many of the signs or symptoms of male breast cancer are the same as for women. A more common breast disorder that occurs in men is Gynecomastia , which is an increase in the amount of a man's breast tissue. It is not a malignant tumor. In any case, if a man notices any of these symptoms, it is important that he sees his healthcare provider immediately for evaluation. Because men have very little breast tissue, a cancer does not need to grow very far before it may involve the skin covering the breast or the muscles underneath the breast.