The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) says that 3,362 Jamaicans succumbed to breast cancer between 2005 – 2015, of that number, 67 were men.

At least one man died every year during this period, with the highest number being 10 in 2005 and 2015.

Though the percentage is low, men are at risk of suffering from breast cancer and even though males do not develop milk-producing breasts, a man’s breast cells and tissue can still develop cancer. Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola. Men carry a higher mortality than women do, primarily because awareness among men is less and they are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.

Most of the risk factors include radiation exposure, high levels of the hormone estrogen and family history of breast cancer, especially breast cancer that is related to the BRCA2 gene (breast cancer 2genes linked to breast cancer risk. BRCA1/2 mutations can be passed to you from either parent and can affect the risk of cancers in both women and men.) gene.

Symptoms are generally like that of a woman and the same principles follow; early detection of breast cancer increases treatment options and often reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer.