Breast Cancer in Men

How common is breast cancer in men?

Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. Although rare, male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. It is most commonly diagnosed in men aged 60–70.

Symptoms to look for

The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women:

• A lump or swelling in the breast (usually just under the nipple)
• Nipple changes — pulling in, discharge, or a sore or rash
• Skin changes — dimpling or puckering of the skin over the breast
• A lump or swelling in the armpit

Men are less likely to check their chests and may delay seeking help due to the assumption that breast cancer only affects women. This often leads to later diagnosis.

Risk factors in men

• Age — most diagnoses are in men over 60
• BRCA2 gene mutation — significantly raises risk (lifetime risk of around 6–8%)
• Klinefelter syndrome — a chromosomal condition that increases oestrogen levels
• High oestrogen levels — caused by obesity, liver disease or certain medications
• Family history of breast cancer

Treatment

Male breast cancer is treated in the same way as female breast cancer — surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy (most male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive), chemotherapy where appropriate, and targeted therapies for HER2-positive tumours.