Men can have breast cancer too, and Black men are disproportionately affected by the disease. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer in Black men is 70 times less common compared to breast cancer in Black women—but not less dangerous. In fact, Black men with breast cancer tend to have a worse prognosis.
The incidence rate of breast cancer in Black men is 52% higher compared to white men, according to a recent publication by the ACS. They also have a higher incident rate for all types of breast cancer subtypes across all age groups compared to white men. Sadly, notwithstanding the high rate of breast cancer among Black men, the risk factors for breast cancer in this unique population are largely unknown.
Why more Black men are likely to die from breast cancer than white men
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that Black men between 18 and 64 years old are 76% more likely to die from breast cancer than white men receiving similar treatment. The reason for this disparity remains a mystery. Below are factors contributing to that disparity.
Stigma. In some Black communities, breast cancer is still seen as a female issue. Therefore, men see no reason to get regular screening. This makes it harder to detect breast cancer at the early stage when it is most treatable. Perhaps, this explains the worst prognosis for Black men
Misinformation. A bon mot said, “If you are not informed, you are deformed”. This has become the reality of many Black communities when it comes to breast cancer in men. Just as in the case of breast cancer in Black women, misinformation often propagates myths as facts which has contributed to stigma around breast cancer in Black men
Poverty. Even when Black men are properly informed about breast cancer, some will still be unable to get regular screening because of their financial status
Working risky jobs. As a result of poverty and systemic racism, Black men are more likely to work in hazardous environments where they are exposed to toxic chemicals that can cause genetic mutation
Lack of Studies. Several studies have been done on the causes and prevention of cancer in women. The same level of studies has not been done on breast cancer in men which means a lot is still unknown around the topic
Racial bias. Harvard Global Health Institute has documented the presence of race-based disparities in treatment for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and many others. Studies around male breast cancer are often dominated by white researchers and test volunteers making it hard to tell if any treatment resulting from such studies works in the same way for all races
Known risk factors for male breast cancers
Unlike breast cancer in women where the risk factors are more exhaustive, the same cannot be said about male breast cancers. For example, genetic damage to the DNA is always found in breast cancer victims but the cause of this damage remains unknown. Here are known risk factors for male breast cancers.
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancers: Around 1 in 5 men with a relative that has breast or ovarian cancer eventually gets breast cancer.
- Mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes: This can be inherited by the male from their parents.
- Exposure to radiation: This can cause damage or mutation to the DNA. Cancer arises when there is a mutation in the tumor suppressor genes.
- Hormonal imbalance: conditions like gynecomastia and Klinefelter syndrome which alters the balance of hormones in the body can lead to cancer.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity all contribute to the development of breast cancer.
- Age: The older you get, the higher your risk of getting breast cancer. The average age for breast cancer in men is 72 years—although some Black men are diagnosed earlier.
Signs you may have breast cancer
The first breast cancer warning sign is usually a lump in the breast. However, it is important to mention that not all lumps are breast cancers which is why regular screening is advised. In addition to lumps in the breast, the individual may experience the following changes:
- Colored discharge from the nipple
- Redness of the nipple or scaling of the skin around it
- Retraction of the nipple
- Swelling under the armpit
Fighting male breast cancer in Black communities
Since little is known about male breast cancer in Black communities, finding the right treatment combination is still a huge challenge. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy appear to lower the chance of local recurrence of breast cancer. However, the 5-year survival rate for Black men is still worse compared to white men.
Early detection will always give your physician a broader window to try different therapies and see the one that works for you. Black men, especially those above 50 years should get regular breast cancer screening—along with prostate screening.
The CDC is playing its part by helping people lower their cancer risks through screening tests and outreach. They work with communities to find the best ways of preventing and controlling different types of cancers. We encourage everyone in our community to check their free resources and leverage religious groups to bring an end to the cancer scourge.
For more reading
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer-in-men/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/breast-cancer-overview-and-the-effect-on-black-men-5197234
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2014.60.5584
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/health-equity/african-american.html
