Breast Cancer in Men: What to Know

Many people are surprised to learn that men can get breast cancer. But it makes sense once you know that men also have breast tissue, and cancer can start in that tissue.

Male breast cancer is rare. Fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancers in the United States occur in men. It usually appears at a later age than it does in women. Most male breast cancers start in the milk ducts.

Men have breast tissue, so they can get breast cancer, though it is uncommon.

The most common sign of breast cancer in men is a lump or thickening in or near the breast. Because men have less breast tissue, a lump can sometimes be easier to feel.

Other possible signs include:

• A nipple that changes shape, points differently, or turns inward
• Fluid from the nipple, which may be clear or bloody
• Skin that is scaly, red, or swollen on the breast, nipple, or areola
• Dimpling or ridges on the skin, like an orange peel
• An open sore on the breast skin
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

Many breast changes in men are due to less serious, benign conditions. Still, any unusual change is worth checking with a doctor.

A lump near the breast is the most common sign, and any change is worth a check.

Older age is a risk factor for breast cancer in men, as it is for most cancers. Other things that can increase risk include:

• Past radiation therapy to the chest
• One or more female relatives who have had breast cancer
• Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, or other genes
• Conditions linked to higher estrogen levels, such as Klinefelter syndrome, liver disease, some testicular problems, or obesity

Screening mammograms are not usually recommended for men, even those at higher risk. Instead, a doctor may suggest watching for changes and having clinical breast exams. If you think you have risk factors, talk to your doctor.

Age, family history, inherited genes, and hormone-related conditions can raise risk.

If a man has breast symptoms, a doctor works to find the cause. This may include a physical and clinical breast exam, questions about personal and family history, imaging such as ultrasound and mammogram, and a biopsy. If cancer is found, more tests can check hormone receptors, the HER2 protein, and inherited gene changes.

Male breast cancer is usually treated much like breast cancer in women. Men are more likely to have a mastectomy, which removes the whole breast, because they have less tissue, though some can have breast-conserving surgery. Male breast cancer is almost always hormone receptor positive.

Testing finds the cause, and treatment is much like it is for women.

Men with breast cancer have a slightly lower 5-year survival rate than women. One likely reason is that male breast cancer is often found at a later stage.

That is exactly why awareness matters. Knowing that men can get breast cancer, noticing changes, and getting them checked can help the cancer be found sooner, when treatment tends to work best.

Awareness and early checks give the best chance of finding it in time.