A lot of people might think of breast cancer as only a woman’s disease, but can men get breast cancer, too?
Men can actually get breast cancer. However, it’s rarer for a man to get it than it is for a woman. And while male breast cancer can develop at any age, it is more common in older men.
As with most types of cancer, early detection and treatment typically increases the chance for a positive outcome. If you’ve noticed any symptoms of breast cancer or have an unexplained lump, change or pain in your breast tissue, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
How do men get breast cancer?
Men can get breast cancer because they are born with breast tissue, including breast ducts. Most breast cancers in men begin in these ducts and are known as ductal cancers. Cancers that begin in the lobules, or milk-producing glands, are much less common in men because male breast tissue typically has few, if any, lobules.
As with other cancers, breast cancer develops when cells begin growing abnormally and out of control. These cells can form a tumor and, if cancer becomes invasive, may spread into nearby tissue, lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
How common is male breast cancer?
Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for fewer than 1 percent of breast cancers in the United States. However, it still affects thousands of men each year – about 2,670 men are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year.
Even though the ratio of male breast cancer cases is lower than it is for women, it’s still a significant number. Doctors diagnose most cases of male breast cancer between the ages of 60 and 70.
What are the risk factors?
Male breast cancer causes aren’t especially clear. However, there are a variety of known risk factors.
Some things known to increase the risk of developing male breast cancer include:
- Age: In men, the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most men with breast cancer are diagnosed in their 60s or 70s.
- Family history: Having a blood relative with breast cancer can increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer himself.
- Inherited genetic changes: Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase breast cancer risk. The risk is particularly higher with certain BRCA2 variants.
- Alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking is a common risk factor for this type of cancer.
- Estrogen-related medications: Some estrogen-based prostate cancer drugs and gender reassignment drugs can increase the risk of male breast cancer.
- Klinefelter syndrome: This condition occurs when a man is born with an extra X chromosome and is associated with higher-than-normal estrogen levels.
- Liver disease: Men with liver disease can have a higher amount of estrogen in the body, which can increase their risk.
- Obesity: Overweight men have more estrogen stored in the body, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Chest-area radiation treatments can make it more likely for a man to develop this type of cancer.
- Some testicular conditions: Conditions including an undescended testicle, inflammation of the testicles or surgery to remove one or both testicles can be associated with increased risk.
If breast or other cancers run in your family, talk with your health care provider about your family history and whether genetic counseling or testing might be appropriate.
What are common symptoms?
The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a breast lump, often located under or near the nipple or areola. The lump is usually, though not always, firm and painless.
Common symptoms of male breast cancer include:
- Concave nipple or nipple pulling inward
- Dimpled or puckered skin
- Red, irritated or flaking skin
- Lump or swelling in breast tissue
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple pain
- Swelling or lump under the arm or near the collarbone
If you experience any of these common symptoms, reach out to your primary care provider right way. Getting an exam and a professional opinion can give you peace of mind. It can also help you get treatment started as quickly as possible if you do have this type of cancer.
How is breast cancer diagnosed in men?
If a provider suspects male breast cancer, diagnosis can involve several steps.
An evaluation may include:
- Physical exam: A provider examines the breast and surrounding areas.
- Mammogram: Although mammograms aren’t routinely performed for most men, they can be used when breast cancer is suspected.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves create images that help a provider evaluate breast tissue and a suspicious lump.
- Biopsy: A sample of breast tissue is removed and examined for cancer cells.
Routine mammogram screening isn’t generally recommended for all men because male breast cancer is uncommon. Men who may be at higher risk should talk with their provider about their individual risk and the appropriate approach to monitoring.
Male breast cancer treatment
Similar to breast cancer in women, treatment for men depends on factors including the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread.
Some of the commonly used male breast cancer treatments include:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery, including mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies
Many male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, so hormone therapy may be an important part of treatment for some patients. A cancer care team will consider the characteristics of the individual cancer when developing a treatment plan.
How we can help
So, can men get breast cancer? Yes. While male breast cancer is rare, knowing that it can happen and recognizing potential symptoms can help you know when it’s time to talk with your primary care provider. A new breast lump, nipple change, discharge or change in the skin around your breast should be evaluated rather than ignored.
Learn more about the oncology and cancer care services we offer at Mercy Health.
