Male breast cancer cases double in two years

Incidents of male breast cancer in Ireland more than doubled in a two-year period, statistics show.

There were 23 recorded cases of the rare condition in 2005, up 14 on the figure for 2003, according to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI).

Irish Cancer Society nurse Jennifer Nestor said the hike cannot be explained but stressed the condition could be successfully treated if caught in time.

"We don't really know why (the number of cases increased)," she said. "Is it down to lifestyle? We can't really be 100% sure."

Diagnoses of the condition have gradually increased in recent years, with nine recorded cases in 2003, 17 in 2004 and 23 in 2005, according to the NCRI.

The country's breast cancer services have come under intense media scrutiny this year after a catalogue of diagnosis blunders were revealed affecting three of the country's hospitals and causing distress to hundreds of women.

The Irish Cancer Society said few people are aware that the condition also affects males, although it is rare, and the organisation said it raises the issue frequently.

Three men died from the illness in 2004, with the average annual mortality rate over the last 15 years at four.

The highest number of fatalities was in 1995 when seven men died, with the lowest in 2000 at one.

The average annual death rate over the same period for women was 642.

"We would always mention it and it's always mentioned in all our literature," said Ms Nestor, who works with Action Breast Cancer.

"Men would joke and say: 'That's not for me'. But it is.

"It's something a lot of men don't really know about."

With the same signs, symptoms and treatment as breast cancer in women, the condition can be successfully treated if caught early.

"Breasts are seen as a very female and a very sexual and sensual thing, so there would be that sense of embarrassment (among men) about it," Ms Nestor said.

"But I've spoken to men who have breast cancer and it's not a big issue for them."

Any men or women affected by the condition can contact the National Breast Cancer helpline on 1800 309040.