It’s True: Men Can Have Breast Cancer

Breast cancer isn't limited to women. Men can absolutely develop it too, though the disease often goes unnoticed until it's more advanced. Here's what causes it, how to recognize the symptoms and what treatment options look like.

While breast cancer primarily affects women, it’s possible for men to get it, too. One in every 755 men is diagnosed with breast cancer, yet the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 96 percent if the cancer is caught in its preliminary stages.

What breast cancer in men means

“Many believe that breast cancer only affects women. But people forget that men have breast tissue too,” said Nandini Kulkarni, M.D., medical director of Surgical Oncology for Inspira Health. “Because of this, men typically ignore the symptoms they might have. This not only impacts our ability to catch it early, but also stops patients from receiving the treatment they need.”

Breast cancer can develop in various parts of the breast, including the milk ducts, milk-producing glands and surrounding tissue (men have milk ducts and glands, though they are not functional). While finding a lump within the breast tissue is the most common way to detect breast cancer, there are other symptoms men should look out for. 

Men’s breast cancer detection

“If you feel a lump (on your chest wall or around a nipple) or experience dimpling of the breast skin, an inverted nipple, breast redness or nipple discharge, you need to seek medical attention immediately,” said Dr. Kulkarni. 

Knowing what feels normal in your chest area and following up promptly when something changes is an effective way to catch male breast cancer early. 

Causes of breast cancer in men

Unfortunately, as with many cancers today, the cause of developing breast cancer is still largely unknown. While we do not yet understand exactly why breast cancer develops, several risk factors have been linked to an increased prevalence of breast cancer in men. 

“Older men with high levels of estrogen and a family history of breast cancer have been associated with a predisposition to this disease,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “Additionally, past radiation therapy targeting the chest, inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and conditions linked to high estrogen levels in the body, such as liver disease and obesity, are associated with a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.”

Treatment options for male breast cancer

Treating male breast cancer depends on the stage and severity of the disease. Cancer treatments can range from local surgeries and radiation therapy to chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

While one patient may need to have a mastectomy (removing the entire breast), others may need a more aggressive treatment plan with radiation or injections to prevent the cancer from coming back.

Awareness of the risks

“Currently, there is no way for men to prevent getting breast cancer, but there are three main steps you can take to lower your risk,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “Stay at a healthy weight, drink responsibly and maintain an active lifestyle.”

Breast cancer doesn't only affect women. Recognizing that men can develop it too is an important first step toward early detection. Because it can be difficult to diagnose male breast cancer, it is critical that you speak with your primary care physician about any changes you notice. 

Click here to learn more about or schedule a breast cancer screening.