Not Only Attacking Women, Breast Cancer Also Monitoring Men

Male illustration (Photo: Freepik/mdjaff)

JAKARTA - During this time breast cancer is often considered as a disease that only attacks women. Even though men can also get breast cancer, although the cases are far less.

This was explained by Dr. dr. Sonar Soni Panigoro, Consultant for Oncology Surgery at Eka Hospital BSD.

Women do get a lot of cancer too. But don't be arrogant, men can also get breast cancer too. Why? The man has glands but is small. Only a few," said dr. Sonar when met in the BSD area, Tangerang on Monday, October 6, 2025.

According to dr. Sonar, although the number of cases is rare, men still have a risk because they also have breast gland tissue, although small. He explained that the comparison of breast cancer cases between women and men is around 100 to 1.

"The hit men are 1 compared to 100. 100 women, 1 male," he explained.

Breast cancer in men usually appears at an older age than women.

Men are rarely hit at a young age. Generally 50 years and over. Women experience more in their 40s," said dr. Sonar.

dr. Sonar emphasized that breast cancer in men does not have special symptoms that are easily recognized.

"What are the characteristics? Yes, nothing special, nothing special. It's also from built-in, there are also CERDIK factors (periodic health checks, cigarette smoke, Rajin physical activity, healthy and balanced diets, adequate rest, and stress management)," he said.

He added that a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing breast cancer, both in men and women.

Life style affects both men and women. So CERDIK is not only for women, but everything is the same," he said.

Even though it is rare, early examinations still need to be carried out, especially for those who have a family history with cancer.

"Usually it's known from the examination. We don't just rely on randomness. So we have to check too," explained dr. Sonar.

According to him, early detection can be started as a teenager. Breast tests (SADARI) are carried out by touching and looking at the breasts themselves to see possible physical changes in the breasts.

"This means that 15'16 years can start checking. Every now and then start SADARI. Later ultrasound can be done once in a while. No need for emmography. Mamography is done over 40 years," he said.

For those under 40 years of age, inspections are sufficient to be carried out with regular touch (SARRI) and ultrasound.

"Under 40 years hold it first. Later at the age of 1718 years, ultrasound can be carried out. If the results are okay, it will be done again at the age of 20 years, 25 years, 30 years," said dr. Sonar.

He also revealed that breast cancer data at the age of under 30 was only about 1 percent, but increased dramatically at an older age.

"Because breast cancer under 30 years old is less than 1 percent. Later the age of 30'35 will increase by 4 percent. Above 35 years it will increase again to 30 percent. Later the age of 40'45 is the most dangerous," he explained.

For those with a family history with breast cancer, examinations need to be carried out more often.

If there is a family history of cancer, it is usually a young age. Maybe ultrasound checks will also be more often like once every two years. " said dr. Sonar.

Breast cancer is not just a woman's disease. Men also have risks, although small. Awareness to carry out early examinations and adopt a healthy lifestyle is very important to prevent this disease.

The CERDIK principle conveyed by dr. Sonar is a simple but effective guideline for anyone who wants to maintain health and prevent cancer.