61-year-old man discovered breast cancer 1 year after feeling a lump in his chest

When hearing about breast cancer, most people immediately think of women's diseases. However, in reality, although rare, men can also get this disease.

Male patient with breast cancer being treated at Bach Mai Hospital - Photo: BVCC

Recently, the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center, Bach Mai Hospital said a 61-year-old man was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer detected one year after feeling the lump

The patient is 61 years old, with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes and hepatitis B. He said that about a year ago, he accidentally felt a small hard lump in his left breast but subjectively did not go to the doctor because "he thought men would not get breast cancer".

Recently, the tumor grew larger, accompanied by dull pain, so he went to Bach Mai Hospital for a check-up.

Here, the doctors ordered a biopsy and the histopathology and immunohistochemistry results showed that the lesion in the left breast was invasive carcinoma. The patient was hospitalized for further evaluation and treatment according to a specialist protocol.

According to the American Cancer Society (2025), each year the world records about 2,800 cases of breast cancer in men, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

On average, 1 in 726 men are at risk of developing the disease in their lifetime. Worryingly, nearly 50% of male patients are diagnosed at a late stage, significantly higher than 33% of women.

In Asian countries, the rate of male breast cancer ranges from 0.5-1% of total cases. Experts have noted a slight increase in recent years due to lifestyle changes, obesity, alcohol abuse and hormonal disorders.

Factors that increase the risk in men

According to doctors, factors that increase the risk of breast cancer in men include old age, the disease is common in the 60-70 age group; BRCA2 or BRCA1 gene mutations; hormonal imbalance (increased estrogen or decreased testosterone); obesity, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, chest radiation therapy and family history of breast cancer.

Experts say men often pay little attention to their chest area, leading to the disease being discovered when the tumor has developed, even metastasized.

Men should proactively seek medical attention if they notice one or more signs such as a hard lump or small tumor under the breast skin, near the nipple. Changes in breast skin such as roughness, dimpling, darkening, redness or thickening.

Inverted nipples, discharge, especially if bloody. Or pain, swelling, or enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit.

Early detection and timely treatment significantly increase the chance of cure, similar to that in women. Conversely, if diagnosed at a late stage, the prognosis will be significantly worse.

Experts emphasize that although male breast cancer is rare, it is real and can be prevented and detected early.

Doctors recommend that men, especially those with high risk factors or a family history of cancer, should proactively self-examine their breasts and go to the doctor when there are unusual signs.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-dan-ong-61-tuoi-phat-hien-ung-thu-vu-sau-1-nam-so-thay-khoi-uo-nguc-20251110221028547.htm