Majority of the population perceives breast cancer as a disease that only impacts women, however, this is not entirely true as the disease can also occur in men. Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all cancer diagnoses worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), a man’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 1 in 833. It is a rare type of cancer that forms in the breast tissue of men and is most common in older men, though it can occur at any age. Furthermore, the risk of male breast cancer is directly linked with obesity and testicular disorders like cryptorchidism, mumps, orchitis, and testicular trauma. Drugs that cause hormonal imbalance, such as those used for the treatment of prostate cancer, may also increase the risk. Therefore, there is an increasing need to raise awareness on how different breast cancer in males is than in females, how the symptoms are different or if there are any screening procedures to detect the disease at an early stage.
53 years old resident of Aligarh, Mr. Chandra Mohan Goel’s life took a drastic turn when he got diagnosed with stage II carcinoma breast cancer in April 2019. He was unaware of the fact that he was living with a four-year-old lump in his right breast. His condition was already critical as he was also suffering from co-morbidities such as hypertension. The patient also had a history of chewing tobacco. Mr. Goel underwent a surgery previously at another hospital and brought to Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj in May 2019. Based on his prognosis and other physiological evaluation, Mr. Goel was immediately put on chemotherapy by the team of doctors at the hospital. The patient’s response to the line of treatment was good. The patient underwent multiple sessions of chemotherapy. The patient’s general condition is good and living good quality of life.
Talking about the rising incidence of male breast cancer cases in the country, Dr Meenu Walia, Director, Dept of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj said, “The outlook for male breast cancer is excellent if diagnosis occurs in the early stages. However, early diagnosis is not always possible, majorly due to lack of awareness. While many women know how to look out for changes that could indicate breast cancer, there is hardly any awareness among men, making them less likely to seek help in the early stages. Stats suggest, around 40% of men with breast cancer receive a diagnosis in advanced stages, resulting in lower survival rates than women.”
She further explained, “Living with breast cancer in a society where there are numerous stigmas and taboos attached to private organs, is extremely challenging for all patients, especially males to deal and cope with the condition. Of all the breast cancer cases that I have witnessed in my 26 years of professional experience, I have observed that women are much more aware when it comes to the subject, however, male patients are extremely shy discussing their condition even with their respective medical expert/physician/oncologist. Hence, it is imperative to raise awareness among men on the precautionary steps, key symptoms and possible outcome so they are able to talk about such a sensitive issue without any judgments or stigmas attached to it.”
The case of Mr. Chandra Mohan Goel is an epitome of strong will and compassion and will hopefully push others to share their story as well. Mr. Goel has gone back to his normal life and visits the hospital for routinely checkups.
Also present at the conference was 43-year-old Ms. Deepali Sethi from East Delhi who was diagnosed with CA left breast in December 2017. Two of her first cousins had also undergone treatment for breast cancer in the past, which confirms that the disease runs in their genes. Ms. Deepali underwent a breast removal surgery soon after her diagnosis and then underwent successful cycles of chemotherapy at Max Hospital, Patparganj. She is currently on follow up and leading a good quality life.
Over the past years, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj has been actively working towards ensuring international standard healthcare facilities. The unit has held numerous awareness camps, health-camps and OPDs for Breast Cancer across North India. ‘Nidarr Hamesha’ is another campaign by Max Healthcare which offers support and compassion to patients and families who are battling with cancer.
