Can men get breast cancer? Sadly, the answer is yes—men can also develop breast cancer. Although breast cancer is far less common in men, it can be a life-threatening condition. No matter what sex you are, you should be aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms if they arise.
I’m a Man. What’s My Risk for Breast Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in every 833 men will develop breast cancer. That’s far less than the lifetime risk for women. However, each year, about 2,620 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis and 520 will die of the disease. Similar to the statistics for breast cancer in women, black men have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than white men.
What Causes Male Breast Cancer?
No one can predict exactly who will get cancer. However, researchers have identified some risk factors for male breast cancer, including:
- Age—Your risk increases as you age.
- BRCA1/2 gene mutations—Also responsible for many breast cancers and ovarian cancers in women, these gene mutations can cause male breast cancer, though at far lower rates than in women.
- Family history—If you have men or women in your family with breast cancer, your risk is higher.
- Lifestyle factors—Heavy drinking and obesity can raise your cancer risk.
- XXY (Klinefelter) syndrome—In this condition, boys are born with two X and one Y chromosomes, in contrast to the usual XY configuration.
Many of the risk factors for male breast cancer are also risk factors for women.
What Forms of Breast Cancer Can Men Get?
Men develop many, though not all, of the same forms of breast cancer that women do. In fact, male and female breasts are structurally similar until puberty. Both boys and girls have nipples and a few milk ducts, so cancers that affect these structures are possible in both men and women.
The most common breast cancers in both sexes are ductal and lobular cancers, meaning that they originate in the glands that produce milk or the ducts that carry milk. These are known as:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ: Ductal cancer that hasn’t spread
- Invasive ductal carcinoma: Ductal cancer that has spread
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: Cancer of the milk glands that has spread
Other cancers that can appear in the chest area include:
- Sarcomas: Bone and connective tissue cancer
- Lymphomas: Immune system cancers
As well, men can develop benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men?
Public relations campaigns don’t often encourage men to check their breasts for cancer—most breast cancer messaging is directed to women. However, it’s important for everyone to be aware of any changes in their bodies.
Signs of breast cancer in men include:
- Fluid leaking from the nipple
- Indentions or “puckers” in the skin
- One or more lumps under the skin
- Nipple turning inward
- Redness, swelling or warmth
If you notice any of these changes in your body, be sure to ask your primary care provider about them. If you don’t have a visit scheduled in the near future, call your doctor and schedule an appointment right away.
How Is Male Breast Cancer Treated?
In many ways, male breast cancer treatment resembles female breast cancer treatment. First, your doctors will use imaging and biopsy to determine whether a suspicious lump or symptoms are cancerous. If cancer is discovered, the doctor will then “stage” the cancer to determine whether it’s invasive and how far it’s spread.
Depending on the kind of cancer, its location and stage, your doctor will recommend a treatment or series of treatments designed to destroy the cancer while preserving healthy tissue. Surgery and radiation therapy attack cancer directly, while chemotherapy can be used to reduce a tumor before surgery or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapies to make your body less susceptible to cancer, or targeted drug therapies to help make chemotherapy more effective.
The University of Maryland Cancer Network, a group of cancer centers across Maryland that connect you with national experts and the latest treatments close to home, offers comprehensive treatments for breast cancer, including the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.
Hope in Community
If you’re a man who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may feel alone—much of the language around breast cancer emphasizes female patients. A cancer nurse navigator or doctor can help you connect with other survivors. The UM Cancer Network offers a full range of psychosocial support services for cancer patients and survivors alike.
