dyton mupawaenda
Talent Gore
BREAST cancer can also affect men although it is more commonly associated with women, Cancer Association of Zimbabwe monitoring and evaluation co-ordinator, Lovemore Makurirofa, has said.
Breast cancer is a global health concern, affecting millions of women annually.
However, it is crucial to note that men can also be susceptible to this disease.
In 2020, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported 28 male breast cancer cases in Zimbabwe, representing 0,9 percent of all new cancer cases in Zimbabwean men.
“It’s true that men also develop breast cancer, remember, breast cancer by definition is a cancer that starts or develops on the breast tissue so both males and females do have the breast tissue, but what differs is the internal structure of their breast,” Makurirofa said.
“The internal structure of the female breast makes it more vulnerable to breast cancer than males because it consists of lobes that manufacture the milk and milk ducts that carry the milk from the lobes to the nipple and those hollow structures tend to increase the surface area of breast cancer.
“This is the reason why women are more likely to develop breast cancer but however, males do develop breast cancer.”
Makurirofa said Zimbabwe has quite a number of males with breast cancer.
“In Zimbabwe we have quite a number of males with breast cancer, we can even link to some of the survivors of male breast cancer,” he said.
“The ratio is usually one male to 200 women which shows that women are more likely to develop breast cancer as compared to males.”
Dr Makurirofa added:
“However, what we have noticed as the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe over the years is that male breast cancer cases tend to be very severe as compared to female breast cancer cases because of the fact that males do not expect to develop breast cancer.
“Men are likely to go into denial for quite a long time giving the cancer an opportunity to spread and affect other body organs.”
Makurirofa said they should also examine their only breasts, chest to find out if there are any abnormalities.
“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October (and on a regular basis), we encourage men to self-examine their breasts for any abnormalities. If pain is experienced, they should not dismiss it as a result of gym or home activities; instead, they should accept a diagnosis.”
Online Reporter