Infertile men may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those without fertility issues, a new study suggests. Published today, this research offers insights into a rare but significant link between male infertility and breast cancer.
Conducted by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the study analyzed 1,998 men newly diagnosed with breast cancer in England and Wales over a 12-year period. Breast cancer in men is uncommon, with about 370 cases reported annually in the UK, making extensive research into the condition challenging. However, this large-scale study allowed scientists to uncover a notable connection between infertility and an increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer.
The study participants were asked about their fertility history, including whether they had biological children, experienced difficulties conceiving, or had sought medical advice regarding fertility issues. The findings were then compared with those of 1,597 men without breast cancer. Researchers took into account other risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of breast cancer, and liver disease.
Although the exact biological cause remains unclear, the study revealed that men diagnosed with breast cancer were more likely to report fertility problems. Additionally, a higher proportion of men diagnosed with breast cancer had no children, a trend that remained significant even after focusing on married men only.
These results raise important questions about the role of male fertility hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, in the development of breast cancer. Researchers believe further investigations into these links could help uncover the causes of male breast cancer, which are still poorly understood.
Dr. Michael Jones, Senior Staff Scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “Our study suggests infertile men may be twice as likely as those without fertility issues to develop breast cancer. We need more research into the role of fertility hormones in male breast cancer, which could ultimately lead to new insights for both male and female breast cancer.”
The study is part of the larger Male Breast Cancer Study, launched by Breast Cancer Now in 2007, aimed at identifying the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle causes of breast cancer in men. The research is vital for understanding how to lower the risk of the disease and improve diagnosis and treatment for men.
Dr. Simon Vincent, Director of Research at Breast Cancer Now, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about male breast cancer. “Every year in the UK, around 370 men are diagnosed, and it is crucial that we support those affected by the disease,” he said. “Finding a connection between infertility and male breast cancer is a key step in understanding the condition better and improving care for men.”
The study also highlights the need for men to be aware of the risks of breast cancer. Dave, a 64-year-old from Bristol, shared his personal experience of being diagnosed with male breast cancer in 2015. He encouraged more men to check for changes in their bodies and seek medical advice when necessary.
“This research could be vital in understanding what causes some male breast cancers and ultimately lead to better treatments,” Dave said.
The findings are an important step toward unraveling the mysteries of male breast cancer, and researchers are hopeful that further studies will improve detection and treatment options for both men and women.
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