In summary:
- Breast cancer in men is a rare diagnosis, but the risk can increase with age, meaning older individuals should ensure they self-check
- If you find anything unexpected during a check, call your primary care provider and ask about clinical breast exams
- In Raleigh, seniors can inform TerraBella Northridge of the help they need from the community’s Assisted Living service
In the North Raleigh area, close to parks and greenways, TerraBella Northridge offers a fantastic community in which to get the support you or a loved one needs in retirement. Should they develop an illness requiring immediate or escalated support in later life, this is even more essential.
With around 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in 2025 alone, according to the American Cancer Society, there are several reasons why we consider the training of our community teams in health awareness to be essential.
Read on to learn more about breast cancer in men, including:
- What to look for
- Early detection tips
- When to contact a doctor
- Who in Raleigh can assist with your next steps
- How our senior care in Raleigh can help
Also, discover how our SHINE® Memory Care support can help your loved ones, even during a challenging period involving changes in their mental wellness.
Highlighting Signs of Breast Cancer in Men
Many of the most common signs of early breast cancer involve finding a firm lump underneath or around the nipple area. While this may sometimes be a cyst, it is essential to get it checked to ensure that it is not something more serious.
Other changes to the nipple that could indicate cancer include:
- Flattening
- Inversion
- Scaly skin
- Itchy skin
- Orange-peel-like texture
- Redness
- Dimpling
Any fullness or swelling in the region of the armpit may also be a sign of the disease, especially if you have not felt it before.
If you notice nipple discharges, especially if they are bloody, you should immediately seek medical attention and book an urgent appointment with your healthcare provider.
How Should Men Check for Breast Cancer?
Many summaries of male breast cancer facts include the methods for checking for the disease. The reason for this is that earlier discovery can offer a significantly higher chance of successful treatment. While fewer than 1% of men will develop the disease, due diligence is an essential part of senior health awareness.
While a doctor will be able to offer a comprehensive check for potential male breast cancer, there are also checks you can do at home between appointments.
Once a month, while you are showering, flatten out your fingers and use them to feel behind your nipple. Then, run your hands along the wall of the chest, looking for lumps or other abnormalities.
After this, look in the mirror for any noticeable changes in the skin as listed above. If you notice something and aren’t sure, you can have it checked by a doctor. However, if you are not ready to do that, write down what you have found, including any dates, and then bring the list to your healthcare provider so that they can make an informed judgment about any possible progression.
How Senior Care in Raleigh Can Help
Our range of living options offers various support services for seniors, from routine assistance to help with booking medical appointments. On-call healthcare assistance also includes:
- Reviews of existing medication
- Care conferences with families and carers
- Memory care
We have a significant focus on the security and comfort of those in our community, ensuring that residents get key attention when they need it. Our staff is available 24/7 should those in our care need it, and we can ensure that, even if a person faces challenges with male breast cancer, there is someone there to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Breast Cancer Curable for Most Men?
In most cases, when cancer is discovered early enough, it is more likely to be more treatable. However, be aware that the chances of a positive outcome can rely on several factors, including:
- Stage of the disease
- The individual’s body
- Family history
- Genetics
- Environmental conditions
- General health
On discovering cancer, you will have a chance to discuss treatment plans with your physician, who can offer more details on what they will entail. They will work to ensure that you receive the best possible care tailored to your individual circumstances.
While our senior care communities do not provide healthcare, our staff can provide support for:
- Medical management
- Preventing over-medication
- Mental health assistance
- Support with daily life
These can take a significant amount of the weight off a resident’s shoulders, helping them better handle the challenges of the disease.
What is the Mean Age of Male Breast Cancer?
On average, those who discover male breast cancer are likely to be in their late 60s or early 70s, with the average sitting at around 67 years old. Some men may receive these diagnoses earlier, however, especially if they have a family history of cancer, especially breast cancer, or if they are in other at-risk categories.
Where Can Male Breast Cancer Usually Start?
In most cases of male breast cancer, it will start as a lump just behind or around the nipple or areola (the colored area around the nipple). Most skin or nipple changes to look out for will be in these areas; however, other parts of the body can react, such as the lymph nodes underneath the arms.
If you discover any sign that you may have developed breast cancer, including finding any new lump, book an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to confirm its status.
Stay Aware and Stay Safe
Being aware of the possibility of breast cancer in men is one of the best ways to ensure that you know how to deal with it. Self-educate on how to check for it and what to do if you find something out of the ordinary.
TerraBella Northridge’s staff can assist you or a loved one by providing wellness routine advice and coordinating healthcare with our residents. To learn more about the living options that provide this support, please get in touch and book a tour today. We consider support to be a core value of our community.
