Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer.
According to the website breastcancer.org, male breast cancer is on the rise, with a 25% increase over 25 years from 1973 to 1988.
It is unclear whether the reported increase means the disease is slowly becoming more common, or whether men better understand and reports their symptoms, leading to diagnoses that might have been missed in the past.
Speaking at Shakaskraal clinic on October 31 during the cancer awareness drive nurse Phindle Dludla said it is important that when you find anything unusual in your body to seek medical attention urgently.
“It is better when the cancer is found early and can be treated more easily,” said Dludla. She encouraged men not to feel shy and come to the clinic to be checked for breast cancer.
About 2,360 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in men in 2014.
If you notice any persistent changes to your breasts, you should contact your doctor.
Signs to watch for: A lump felt in the breast, nipple pain, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge (clear or bloody), sores on the nipple and areola (the small ring of colour around the centre of the nipple) and enlarged lymph nodes under the arm.
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