Men Can Get Breast Cancer

We think of breast cancer as being an illness that impacts only women. In fact, men can have breast cancer as well, and it is often deadly. The symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. 

Most male breast cancers are diagnosed when a man discovers a lump on his chest. But unlike women, men tend to delay going to the doctor until they have more severe symptoms, like bleeding from the nipple. At that point, the cancer may have already spread.

Male Breast Cancer More Common Than People Think

The CDC says about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. The American Cancer Society estimates that 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2021. About 530 men will die from breast cancer.

The most common symptoms of male breast cancer are:

• A lump or swelling that is usually, but not always, painless
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple retraction
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
• Discharge from the nipple

Aging - The Big Risk Factor

Aging is the risk factor that affects both men and women. The risk of breast cancer goes up as a man gets older. The average age of diagnosis for male breast cancer is 68 years old - Can Men Get Breast Cancer? | For Better | US News.

Men should pay attention to the risks of breast cancer and not delay seeing the doctor if they have any symptoms. Being proactive can save a life.

Being proactive with health includes being proactive with other aging issues as we plan for our future retirement. The costs and burdens of aging will impact you, your family, your savings, and your lifestyle. Hitting age 40 means you pay more attention to health and retirement planning - including affordable Long-Term Care Insurance.

Prepare Family and Finances for Changing Health and Aging

Take action to protect your 401(k), IRA, and 403(b) from the high costs of extended care. Don’t wait until a health event happens before you plan since it could limit your options and increase the costs. 

Long-Term Care Insurance will be the peace-of-mind portion of your retirement plan, protecting assets and giving loved ones the time to be family instead of caregivers.