Risk factors of male breast cancer; review of the literature

Background and aim: Male breast cancer is rare but has an increasing incidence and its mortality is significant. Main causes of male breast cancer are not entirely understood yet, but there are some factors that raise the risk of affecting. In this literature review we survey the risk factors of male breast cancer.Materials and method: A systematic literature search was done. Articles published during 2000-2012 about male breast cancer were reviewed and different risk factors and epidemiological variables were extracted.Results: Studies reveal that: aging, family history, liver diseases, alcohol drinking, radiation exposure, obesity and some testicular abnormal conditions are the most important risk factors. Among genetic factors, mutations in BRCA2 increase the probability of affecting and are about 6 times more common than BRCA1 mutations. Studies indicate that men with Klinefelter syndrome have more likely to breast cancer than other men.Conclusion: Our literature review lists some important risk factors for male breast cancer. Many of these factors are associated with sex hormone levels in the body. It is important to know that studying male breast cancer have different limitations, as is still an uncommon disease, and it is difficult to find enough confirmed cases. However, attention to this risk factors in men at risk, may be useful for prophylaxis and management.

Keywords:

male breast cancer , risk factors