Male breast cancer linked to environmental toxins

Many people still do not know that men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. While male breast cancer is still rare, it is on the rise. Little was known about male breast cancer just a few years ago, but research is continuing to uncover startling new findings about the disease, and it looks like toxins have a large role to play.

Some risk factors for male breast cancer include family history, radiation exposure, high estrogen levels, cirrhosis of the liver, obesity, and increasing age. However, environmental toxins have been linked to clusters of male breast cancer.

Other environmental sources that have been linked to male breast cancer include

• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in gasoline fumes and exhaust
• electromagnetic fields, such as those given off by cell phones
• environmental toxins such as bisphenol A, dioxins, phthalates, pesticides, and heavy metals found in various consumer goods such as canned goods, receipts, and skincare products

Men should take note of any changes in their breast area, including any lumps, sores, nipple pain, or discharge, and any changes should be reported to a doctor. Men may be reluctant to speak to their doctor about these problems, but early detection can save lives.

Thankfully, there are some simple lifestyle changes we can adopt to reduce our cancer risk, male or female, and some cancer-fighting foods we can incorporate in our diets.