2018 October Articles Archives

Common Questions about Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a disease we don’t often hear about, but knowing the facts could save your life. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to highlight the dangers of breast cancer in men as well as women.

Breast Cancer Occurs in Men Too

Many people wonder: Men don’t have breasts, so how can they get breast cancer? In fact, men do possess a small amount of breast tissue, concentrated on the chest wall in the area directly behind each nipple. The difference is that the hormones in girls’ and women’s bodies stimulate this tissue to grow into full breasts at puberty. Boy’s and men’s bodies don’t produce as much of these hormones, so their breast tissue typically stays flat and small.

As with breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the breast tissue.

Breast cancer in men is a rare, and less than 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. The risk is higher for those with a family history of breast cancer (especially with a BRCA2 mutation), for those receiving radiotherapy, especially to the chest area, and for those taking hormonal medicines high in oestrogen. Obesity, high alcohol consumption and liver damage are also risk factors.

Early Diagnosis Saves Lives

Unlike women, men are not routinely screened for breast cancer. This means that when it is detected, it tends to be more advanced. An early diagnosis could make all the difference. Men should be encouraged to seek medical attention if they notice significant changes in their breast tissue, just as the women in their lives would do.

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

Here are some common warning signs to watch out for:

A lump in the chest area
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
Nipple pain
Changes in the appearance of the nipple
Discharge from the nipple
Sores on the nipple or areola

Prognosis and Treatment

The course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, and will be determined by the patient’s healthcare providers. It may include lymph node surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

Because men have less breast tissue than women, it is more common for male breast cancer to have spread beyond the breast area by the time it’s identified. This is another reason why timely diagnosis is so important.

Men who are coping with breast cancer face a different environment to women coping with the disease. Misinformation and stigma can add to the physical and emotional stresses already affecting the patient. Informing and educating more men about the risk male breast cancer will help to clear up the misconceptions, and promote timely medical intervention.

Sources

Male Breast Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/type /male_bc?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu8DOmd2w3QIVSLHtCh2mdANoEAAYASAAEgJCr_D_BwE

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

Simple Steps for Improved Mental Health

Mental health is a state of wellbeing that helps you to cope with the stresses of everyday life, and empowers you to work towards achieving your full potential. Sometimes, keeping a clear head and a healthy mind can be easier said than done. Life does throw unexpected challenges at us every day, after all. Fortunately, there are a few good habits you can cultivate to protect and improve your mental health.

Better Nutrition for Body & Mind

Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to function properly. Eating right improves your mental state as well as your physical health. Low levels of certain nutrients (such as B-vitamins) lead to issues like depressed or anxious moods.

Make sure you eat a balanced diet, and cut out junk food wherever you can. You might also want to speak to your GP or pharmacist about the best nutritional supplements you can take to make up for any nutrients that are lacking.

Less Clutter = Less Stress

If you’re clearing the junk out of your fridge and pantry, now is also a good time to take stock of the clutter in the rest of your house (and office) too. Your surroundings can influence your moods. Clutter breeds dust and dirt in your home, which is bad news for your health. It also has a negative effect on your mood and mental state.

It’s time to adopt a “less is more” mentality. Go through your closets and donate the items you haven’t worn in a year. Sell or donate old books, toys, appliances and even furniture. Commit to only keeping things in your home that are useful or beautiful. You’ll feel much lighter and freer after giving your personal environment a spring-clean.

Mindfulness as a Stress-Buster

Whether it’s at work or at home, the stress and strain of daily life can take its toll if you don’t manage it properly.

Practising mindfulness helps to keep stress levels in check. It’s a great way to calm your thoughts and prevent yourself from panicking. Meditation or simple breathing exercises can help you to relax and focus when things feel like they’re spinning out of control.

Connecting, Caring, Sharing

Looking inwards and focusing on the moment at hand are great mindful practices. However, it’s important to avoid becoming inwardly focused, or you can get wrapped up in your own worries and lose perspective. Connecting with others can help you to maintain a positive balance and focus outside of yourself. Spend quality time with your family and friends, or volunteer at a local charity. Talk to your loved ones about how you’re feeling, and avoid bottling things up for too long.

Positive Influences

Surround yourself with good people who inspire and encourage you. Just like you’ll feel healthier after cutting out junk food, you’ll also feel better after cutting out unhealthy relationships and habits. Too much time browsing your phone? Too many nights spent working overtime at the office? Too many negative people on your social media feed? Start by stepping away from these stresses, and you’ll soon feel more energised and positive.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, make your wellbeing a priority and start putting these helpful new habits into practice.

Sources

Ten Things you can do for Your Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.uhs.umich.edu/tenthings

How to Look After your Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health