Can Men Get Breast Cancer?

While breast cancer in men is rare, it’s important to know the signs to avoid a late-stage diagnosis. 

Breast cancer doesn’t only affect women. While it’s a rare occurrence — accounting for about 1% of all new breast cancer cases each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — men are also susceptible to the disease. 

“Although men have much less breast tissue than women, they can still develop breast cancer because breast tissue is present in both sexes,” explains Maria Nelson, MD, a breast surgical oncologist with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC.  

Even though a man’s risk of developing breast cancer is far lower compared to other malignancies like prostate or colon cancer, it’s still important to be aware of the warning signs. Research shows that since men are not typically screened for breast cancer, it’s more likely that the cancer will have already spread to other areas by the time they receive a diagnosis. 

What are the risk factors of breast cancer in men? 

Risk factors that can increase a man’s chances of getting breast cancer include: 

Genetics 

Both women and men can carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that increase the odds of developing breast cancer, including at younger ages. “A strong family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer should prompt consideration of genetic testing,” Dr. Nelson says. “Testing is typically straightforward and can often be done with either a saliva or blood sample.” 

Hormones 

An increased estrogen-to-testosterone ratio can be a contributing factor. Klinefelter syndrome, a disorder that causes males to be born with an extra X chromosome, can cause elevated estrogen levels. Taking exogenous estrogen, including for gender-affirming care, may also increase the risk of developing breast cancer. 

The American Cancer Society says other conditions that impact hormones, like liver disease and obesity, may be linked to breast cancer in men, as well. 

Radiation exposure 

Exposure to radiation in the chest area can raise the risk of breast cancer — for example, in patients who underwent radiation therapy for a different type of cancer. 

All that being said, Dr. Nelson cautions that it’s still possible to get breast cancer even without any of these risk factors. She says it’s often challenging to pinpoint the exact reason why a man developed breast cancer. 

“Many men diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a clearly identifiable risk factor,” she explains. “Sometimes there is a genetic predisposition or hormonal factor, but in many cases there is no single clear explanation.” 

What are the symptoms of men’s breast cancer? 

The signs of breast cancer in men are similar to signs in women. Men may notice a lump that feels like a rock or a ball. “In men, breast cancers are commonly found in the tissue directly behind the nipple and areola because there is less overall breast tissue,” Dr. Nelson says. 

She notes that nipple discharge in a male patient should always be evaluated. Other concerning signs include nipple inversion, skin thickening, scaling, discoloration or changes in the contour of the chest. 

“I encourage patients to be familiar with their bodies and pay attention to any new or persistent changes,” Dr. Nelson says. “If something feels different or abnormal, it’s important to seek evaluation early.” 

She says when she sees male patients for possible breast cancer, she’ll do a mammogram or ultrasound. “One of the more common benign findings we evaluate is gynecomastia, which is enlargement of breast tissue that can sometimes feel like a mass but is not cancer,” she explains. 

If imaging is suspicious, a core needle biopsy is typically performed to obtain tissue for diagnosis. 

How is breast cancer treated in men? 

Treatment for male breast cancer depends on the stage and biology of the tumor. 

“Because men have a smaller amount of breast tissue, many patients ultimately undergo mastectomy,” says Dr. Nelson. “We also commonly evaluate the lymph nodes at the time of surgery to determine whether there has been any spread of disease.” 

Once the size and spread of the cancer has been determined, additional options may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation. “Treatment recommendations are individualized and based on several factors, including tumor size, lymph node involvement, receptor status and the patient’s overall health,” Dr. Nelson says. 

She emphasizes that men are often diagnosed at a later stage, not because the cancer behaves differently biologically but because symptoms may be overlooked or evaluation delayed. 

“Awareness is important,” Dr. Nelson says. “Men should not ignore breast or nipple changes or feel uncomfortable bringing these concerns to medical attention. Early evaluation can make a significant difference.” 

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Erin Laviola

Erin Laviola is a freelance writer for Keck Medicine of USC.

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