NAIROBI, Kenya – Medical specialists are warning of a growing health threat among men as cases of male breast cancer increase, largely driven by stigma, fear, and late diagnosis.
The concern was raised during a three-day symposium on precision breast cancer treatment held at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), coinciding with global awareness campaigns for the disease.
Dr Abeid Athman, head of oncology at KUTRRH, said that many men seek medical help only after the disease has advanced, making treatment more complex and less effective.
“Most men come very late for testing because they are shy or afraid of stigma. They don’t seek help early, which makes managing the disease very challenging,” Dr Athman said.
He urged men to perform regular self-examinations and seek prompt medical evaluation for any unusual changes.
“Anyone with breast glands can get breast cancer, including men. The good news is that when detected early, it is manageable and even curable,” he added.
While male breast cancer represents about one per cent of cases nationally, KUTRRH reports a higher rate of five per cent, attributed to its role as a referral centre for complex cases.
Dr Athman also noted that 45 per cent of African women diagnosed with breast cancer are under the age of 45 — a much younger demographic than in Western countries, where only 5 to 10 per cent fall in that age group.
Prof Daniel Ojuka, a breast surgeon and associate professor at the University of Nairobi, linked the rising incidence of breast cancer to changing lifestyles, particularly alcohol consumption and smoking.
“Alcohol and smoking increase the risk of breast cancer. For every unit of alcohol consumed, the chances of getting breast cancer rise by between one and seven per cent. Smoking interferes with the body’s hormones, further elevating the risk,” he explained.
Ojuka emphasised that while genetics play a part, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise, balanced nutrition, and early screening can significantly reduce one’s risk.
KUTRRH chief executive officer Dr Zainab Gura said the conference provided a platform for sharing innovations in cancer diagnosis and treatment, noting that delayed testing remains one of the biggest obstacles to survival.
She announced that the hospital will offer free breast cancer screening, mammography, and biopsy services for women throughout the awareness month.
“Treatment is far more affordable and effective when breast cancer is detected early,” she said. “We urge Kenyans to go for screening even when they feel healthy.”
