Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Symptoms and Causes 

Most people think of breast cancer as something that only affects women, but it’s important to know that men can get breast cancer too. While rare, male breast cancer is a real condition that affects thousands of men each year. 

Because it’s less expected, doctors often find it later than they should. In this guide, we break down the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and awareness efforts around breast cancer in men.

What Is Male Breast Cancer?

Yes, men can develop breast cancer—although it’s rare. The reason lies in basic human biology: both men and women are born with a small amount of breast tissue made up of ducts, and in some cases, lobules (milk-producing glands).

While women’s breast tissue grows during puberty under the influence of estrogen, men’s breast tissue doesn’t fully develop. Still, this tissue contains cells that can change and become cancerous.

Male breast cancer begins when cells in this tissue grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a lump or tumor and, over time, may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Most male breast cancers originate in the milk ducts—this is called invasive ductal carcinoma and accounts for about 80–90% of cases in men.

Although men typically have fewer ducts and virtually no functional lobules, these limited structures are still capable of undergoing cancerous changes.

Additionally, men’s awareness is often lower, so they may ignore symptoms or delay seeking care. This makes early detection and education critical for improving outcomes.

How Common Is Male Breast Cancer?

Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. In the United States, about 1 in every 833 men will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

Due to low public awareness, many cases are diagnosed at later stages, making early detection and education especially important.

What Causes Male Breast Cancer?

Male breast cancer is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. It’s uncommon, but understanding what increases a man’s risk can help men catch it early and make better health choices.

Below are the most common and medically recognized risk factors for the causes of breast cancer in men:

• • Age

Advancing age is the strongest male breast cancer risk factor. Most cases are diagnosed in men between the ages of 60 and 70, though it can occur earlier.

As men age, cellular repair mechanisms weaken, making changes in breast tissue more likely to become cancerous.

• • Inherited Genetic Mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2)

Men who inherit harmful mutations in the BRCA2 gene are at a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer, and to a lesser extent, those with BRCA1 mutations. 

These mutations impair the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, increasing cancer risk across several organs, including the breast.

Men with BRCA mutations may also face an increased risk for prostate and pancreatic cancers, making genetic testing for male breast cancer essential if there is a strong family history.

• • Family History of Breast Cancer

Having a first-degree relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, with breast cancer can raise a man’s risk. This risk is even higher if multiple family members have been diagnosed or if the cancer appeared at a younger age.

 Family history often overlaps with hereditary cancer syndromes, like BRCA-related conditions.

• • Obesity

Fat cells produce estrogen, the hormone that promotes the growth of specific breast cancer cells. Men with obesity often have higher estrogen levels, along with chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, all of which contribute to an increased cancer risk.

• •  Radiation Exposure

Men who have received radiation therapy to the chest, for conditions like Hodgkin lymphoma, are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer years later. Radiation may damage breast cell DNA and trigger cancerous changes.

• • Hormonal Imbalance & Klinefelter Syndrome

Men typically produce low levels of estrogen, but certain conditions can increase it abnormally:

Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic condition where a man has an extra X chromosome (XXY), leads to higher estrogen and lower testosterone levels, resulting in underdeveloped testes, gynecomastia, and a markedly increased risk for breast cancer¹.

• • Liver Disease

The liver helps break down and regulate hormones, such as estrogen. Conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can impair this function, allowing estrogen levels to rise.

 Chronic liver dysfunction is therefore linked to hormonal imbalances that may stimulate the growth of breast tissue.

• • Gynecomastia (Enlarged Male Breasts)

Gynecomastia is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of male breast tissue due to hormone changes. While not a direct cause of cancer, it can:

Mask cancerous lumps
Delayed diagnosis
Causes psychological hesitation to seek medical help.

Men with gynecomastia should be especially vigilant and undergo routine exams to differentiate between harmless and suspicious changes.

Important Note: Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean a man will develop breast cancer, but it does increase the chances. Discussing your risk with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a strong family history, is critical for early detection.

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer 

Although rare, breast cancer in men often presents with physical signs that can be noticed early, if you’re paying attention. The challenge is that most men are unaware they can get breast cancer, so symptoms are usually dismissed or ignored until the disease has advanced.

Here are the most common symptoms of male breast cancer to watch out for:

 1. A Lump or Thickening in the Breast Tissue

• • The most common early sign of male breast cancer is a painless lump or hard mass located beneath or near the nipple, typically on one side of the chest.

• • These lumps are usually firm and fixed (don’t move easily) and may feel irregular or rough.

• • Unlike gynecomastia, which often affects both breasts and feels rubbery, cancerous lumps are usually unilateral (one-sided) and progressively enlarge.

 2. Changes to the Nipple

• • The nipple may become inverted (pulled inward) or change position or shape.

• • Redness, scaling, crusting, or ulceration of the nipple skin may develop, sometimes mistaken for a rash or infection.

• • These symptoms can also indicate Paget’s disease of the nipple, a rare form of breast cancer that begins in the nipple ducts.

3. Nipple Discharge (Including Blood)

• • Discharge from the nipple, especially if clear or bloody, is a warning sign and should never be considered normal in men.

• • This symptom is often overlooked but could be the first visible sign of breast cancer.

• • It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if discharge occurs without squeezing or persists.

4. Swelling, Redness, or Dimpling of the Chest Skin

• • The skin covering the breast may appear:
    

     

    • • Swollen or inflamed
    • • Red or warm to the touch
    • • Dimpled, resembling the texture of an orange peel (a condition called peau d’orange)

• • These symptoms may indicate inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form that develops rapidly and often lacks a distinct lump.

 5. Breast or Nipple Pain

• • Pain is less common than a lump but can occur, particularly in more advanced stages or with tumor involvement of surrounding tissue.

• • It may present as a burning, aching, or tender sensation in the chest or under the nipple.

6. Enlarged Lymph Nodes Under the Arm (Axillary Swelling)

• • Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone may signal that cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue.

• • These nodes may feel like small, painless lumps and are an important early clue to disease progression.

When to See a Doctor: If you notice any of these symptoms, especially a new lump or skin change, it’s essential to see a doctor immediately, preferably a general physician or oncologist. Early male breast cancer diagnosis significantly improves survival outcomes, even in aggressive subtypes of male breast cancer.

Reminder:

Many of these male breast cancer symptoms are not exclusive to cancer. Conditions such as gynecomastia, infections, or skin disorders can also cause similar changes. However, only a doctor can rule out cancer through proper testing, such as mammography, ultrasound, or biopsy.

How Is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing breast cancer in men involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory testing. Because male breast cancer is rare, symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed or ignored, making a thorough diagnostic process essential for early and accurate detection.

Here’s a breakdown of the diagnostic steps commonly used:

1. Physical Examination and Medical History

The process typically begins with a clinical breast exam performed by a doctor. During this visit, the physician will:

• • Feel for lumps or thickened tissue in the chest area.

• • Examine the nipple for any changes (inversion, discharge, scaling).

• • Inspect for skin changes, including redness, dimpling, or rashes.

• • Check for enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or neck.

Your doctor will also ask about:

• • Personal and family history of cancer (especially breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer)

• • Use of medications that affect hormone levels

• • Any history of radiation exposure or liver disease
    This helps assess your risk level and guides the need for further testing.

 2. Imaging Tests

Imaging is critical in evaluating suspicious breast changes and determining whether a mass is solid or fluid-filled.

Mammography

Despite being commonly associated with women, men can and do undergo mammograms. A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to identify abnormal growths or calcifications in the breast tissue. It effectively detects dense or irregular masses in men and helps distinguish between benign and suspicious findings.

Breast Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images of breast tissue and nearby lymph nodes. It helps determine whether a lump is a solid mass (which may suggest cancer) or a fluid-filled cyst (which is usually benign).
Ultrasound is beneficial in men with dense chest tissue or gynecomastia.

Optional: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

In rare or unclear cases, especially if surgery is planned or the patient has dense breast tissue, a breast MRI may be used for more precise imaging.

Biopsy: Confirming the Diagnosis

If imaging reveals a suspicious area, the next step is a biopsy—the only way to diagnose breast cancer definitively.

In a biopsy, a small tissue sample is removed and analyzed under a microscope by a pathologist. Types of biopsies include:

• • Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to collect fluid or cells.

• • Core needle biopsy: Uses a larger needle to remove small tissue cylinders for testing.

• • Surgical biopsy: Removes part or all of a lump when needle biopsy results are inconclusive.

The pathology report will determine:

• • Whether the mass is cancerous

• • The type and grade of cancer

• • Whether the tumor is hormone receptor-positive (estrogen/progesterone)

• • HER2 status, which can influence treatment plans
    

4. Genetic Testing (BRCA1 and BRCA2)

If a man is diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age or with a family history, genetic testing may be recommended.

• • BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations significantly increase the risk of male breast cancer, as well as prostate and pancreatic cancers.

• • Identifying these mutations can influence:
    
    
    • • Treatment decisions
    • • Screening for other cancers
    • • Genetic counseling and testing for family members³
        

Summary: Steps in Diagnosing Male Breast Cancer

Diagnostic Step	Purpose
Physical Exam	Initial assessment of lumps or skin changes
Mammogram	Detects abnormal masses in breast tissue
Ultrasound	Differentiates solid masses from cysts
Biopsy	Confirms cancer and determines type/stage
Genetic Testing	Assesses hereditary risk, treatment planning

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

When caught early, male breast cancer is highly treatable. Unfortunately, many men delay seeking help because they don’t associate breast symptoms with cancer. Knowing the steps in the diagnostic process empowers patients and caregivers to take action sooner and improve outcomes.

At What Stage Is Male Breast Cancer Typically Diagnosed?

Because it’s unexpected in men, breast cancer is often diagnosed at later stages, when the tumor has already grown or spread. The staging system (0 to IV) used for men is the same as that used for women.

Early detection greatly improves survival rates—hence the importance of raising awareness among men.

Types of Breast Cancer in Men

The most common types of breast cancer include:

• • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most frequent type, accounting for 80–90% of male breast cancer cases. It starts in the ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.

• • Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive or “pre-cancerous” condition where cells are abnormal but haven’t spread.

• • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (Rare in Men): Starts in lobules (milk-producing glands). It’s rare because men have few lobules.

• • Paget’s Disease of the Nipple: Involves skin changes around the nipple and may appear crusty or scaly.

• • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (Very Rare in Men): It presents as swelling and redness rather than a lump; it is often confused with an infection.

Male Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for male breast cancer is very similar to treatment for female breast cancer, and it typically depends on three main factors:

• • The stage of the cancer (how far it has spread)

• • The tumor’s hormone receptor and HER2 status

• • The patient’s age, overall health, and genetic risk factors

Here’s how treatment usually works, organized by stage and therapeutic approach:

Stage 0 (In Situ / Non-Invasive)

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is considered Stage 0. It is confined to the breast ducts and has not spread to the surrounding tissue.

Treatment Options:

• • Surgery (Mastectomy or lumpectomy): Most men undergo mastectomy due to limited breast tissue, even at early stages.

• • Radiation Therapy may be used in rare cases to follow surgery and prevent recurrence.

The prognosis is excellent at this stage, with very high survival rates.

Stage I and II (Early-Stage Invasive Cancer)

At this point, the tumor has invaded surrounding tissue but is still localized.

Treatment Options:

• • Surgery: A total mastectomy is usually recommended due to the small size of male breast tissue. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed to assess spread.

• • Radiation Therapy: Often recommended after surgery, especially if lymph nodes were involved or the tumor was close to the chest wall.

• • Hormone Therapy: If the cancer is estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), medications like Tamoxifen are used to block hormone-fueled growth.

• • Chemotherapy: May be recommended if the tumor is large, aggressive, or if lymph nodes are involved.

Stage III (Locally Advanced Cancer)

The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding chest muscles, but not to distant organs.

Treatment Options:

• • Surgery: Mastectomy with more extensive lymph node removal (axillary dissection).

• • Chemotherapy: Administered before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and kill remaining cancer cells.

• • Radiation Therapy: Targeted to the chest wall and lymph node regions.

• • Hormone Therapy: Continued if the tumor is hormone receptor-positive.

• • Targeted Therapy is used if the cancer tests positive for HER2, a protein that promotes cancer growth. Drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Tucatinib may be used.

At this stage, a multidisciplinary team is often involved, combining several treatment types.

Stage IV (Metastatic Cancer)

Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bones, lungs, or liver.

Treatment Options:

• • Systemic Therapy (not surgery-focused):
    
    
    • • Hormone therapy for ER-positive tumors
    • • Chemotherapy for aggressive or rapidly spreading cancers
    • • Targeted therapy for HER2-positive cancers

• • Palliative Radiation: Used to relieve symptoms like bone pain or breathing issues

• • Surgery is usually not performed unless needed to control local symptoms (e.g., ulcerated tumors)

Though not curable at this stage, treatment aims to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Additional Therapies and Considerations

➤ Genetic Counseling and BRCA Testing

Men with breast cancer, especially those under age 60 or with a family history, are often offered BRCA1/2 testing. Positive results may influence therapy choices and prompt screening for other cancers (like prostate) or family members.

➤ Clinical Trials

Men are eligible for most clinical trials involving breast cancer treatment. These trials offer access to promising new therapies, especially for advanced or recurrent cases.

➤ Reconstructive Surgery (Optional)

Although less common in men, chest wall reconstruction may be offered for cosmetic or psychological reasons after mastectomy.

 Key Takeaways by Stage

Cancer Stage	Common Treatments	Notes
Stage 0	Mastectomy, rarely radiation	Excellent prognosis
Stage I–II	Mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy, chemo	A most common scenario in men
Stage III	Surgery, radiation, chemo, hormone/targeted	Requires aggressive multimodal therapy
Stage IV	Systemic (hormone/chemo/targeted), palliative	Focus on symptom control

Prognosis and Survival Rate

Survival rates for male breast cancer are similar to those in women when diagnosed at the same stage. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer in men is about 97%, but this drops significantly in advanced stages.

Breaking the Stigma: Why Awareness Matters

Maraming lalaki ang naaantala sa pagpapasuri dahil sa social stigma o kawalan ng kamalayan. Ang edukasyon at bukas na pag-uusap ay susi sa pag-normalize ng maagang pagtuklas, lalo na dahil ang mga sintomas ay madalas na hindi napapansin.

Men should be encouraged to:

• • Perform regular chest checks

• • Be aware of family history

• • Talk to their doctors about suspicious symptoms

• • Seek support—there are male breast cancer survivor groups, too

References

American Cancer Society. What Is Breast Cancer in Men? Click here

Mayo Clinic. Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Causes Click here

Cleveland Clinic. Male Breast Cancer Click here.

MD Anderson Cancer Center. Male Breast Cancer: What Men Should Know. Click here

WebMD. Breast Cancer in Men Click here.