Men can also have breast cancer: Doctors

In a recent development, three cases of male breast cancer (MBC) were identified at Patna Medical College Hospital between 2020 and 2022. During the same period, 117 women were diagnosed with breast cancer at the hospital. Dr Ravi Byahut, the head of the cancer department at PMCH, highlighted that although the symptoms of both male and female breast cancer are similar, there is a significant difference in the age group affected. Male breast cancer cases are typically detected at advanced ages, starting from 50 years and onward, while females are mostly diagnosed in the age range of 30-40 years.

At the State Cancer Institute, since September last year, 11 cases of MBC have been identified, as reported by Dr Rajesh Kumar Singh, the chief of the health facility. Additionally, 578 women were diagnosed with breast cancer during the same period. He suggested that leading an active lifestyle, rather than a sedentary one, and maintaining a healthy weight could help prevent MBC cases.

Another oncologist, Dr Ridu Sharma, associated with a private cancer hospital, shared alarming statistics. She said, "In our country, one new case of breast cancer is detected every fourth minute, while one woman suffering from this disease loses her life every fourteenth minute." Although MBC incidents are rare, the severity of the cases remains the same. Dr Sharma pointed out that elderly individuals above the age of 70 face the greatest risk during treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy due to their internal ability and immunity levels.