You may find it interesting to learn that men have a very small amount of non-functioning breast tissue. And although it is true that this breast tissue cannot ever produce milk, or serve any purpose, it is susceptible to a mutation of the cells that can lead to male breast cancer.

This non-muscular tissue is in the area specifically behind the nipple that is present on the chest. Similar to breast cancer in women, male breast cancer occurs due to the unrestrained increase in the cells of the breast tissue.

There are tubular structures called ducts in the breast tissue of both girls as well as boys. During the time of puberty, ovaries present in girls generate female hormones called estrogen. This causes the ducts to expand and the milk glands are developed at the ends of these ducts. The amount of fat as well as connective tissue inside the breast also enlarges as the girl attains puberty.

But at the same time, male hormones like testosterone, which are produced by the testes, prohibit the development of the breast tissue as well as the growth of lobules. This results in under developed ducts in the male breast of which only contain a minute quantity of fat along with connective tissues.

Male breast cancer is found most often in men between the ages of 55 and 70. Although the disease can also appear in men at any age.

Men are far less in danger of developing breast cancer and in fact only approximately one in every thousand men ever do.

The reason for male breast cancer has not been completely understood. Research suggests that it can be genetic or inherited aspects as well as an environmental issues that are likely to contribute to a part in its growth.

There have been studies that indicate that people who become exposed to ionizing waves are at a great risk. People who have in the past undergone therapy using radiation in order to take care of malignancies found in the chest area like Hodgkin's lymphoma are at a risk for the growth of breast cancer. Lymphoma is a kind of cancer that involves the cells related to the immune system which are called lymphocytes.

If any breast cancer symptoms are detected, then call the doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible.

There are many options for breast cancer prevention. Read more about them at our breast cancer support site getbreastcancersupport.com.