Yes, Men Can Get Breast Cancer — Here’s What to Know

Yes, men can get breast cancer. While male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, it is a real and serious disease. The most common symptom is a painless lump in the breast tissue, but changes to the nipple or skin can also occur. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, and treatment options are similar to those for women. This guide provides a complete overview of symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment for breast cancer in men.

What Is Male Breast Cancer?

Male breast cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the breast tissue of men. Although men have less breast tissue than women, they still possess breast cells that can become cancerous. The disease is most commonly diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts. According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 estimates, approximately 2,800 new cases of invasive male breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, with about 530 deaths. The lifetime risk for a man to develop breast cancer is about 1 in 833. The National Cancer Institute’s 2024 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data corroborates these incidence figures, showing a stable rate of male breast cancer diagnoses over the past decade.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men?

The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a painless lump or thickening in the breast tissue, typically located just behind the nipple. Other symptoms include nipple inversion (turning inward), discharge from the nipple (which may be clear, bloody, or yellow), redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, and swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s 2025 guidelines, any persistent breast change lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Unlike in women, men often detect lumps later because they are less likely to perform regular self-exams. The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 patient education materials emphasize that men should be aware of these symptoms and seek prompt medical evaluation for any new breast changes.

What Are the Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer?

Several factors increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer. The strongest risk factor is age, with most cases diagnosed in men between 60 and 70 years old. Genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA2 gene, significantly elevate risk — men with a BRCA2 mutation have a 6-7% lifetime risk of breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute’s 2024 SEER data. Other risk factors include a family history of breast cancer (especially in a first-degree relative), obesity, liver disease (which alters hormone levels), Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic condition with extra X chromosomes), and prior radiation exposure to the chest area. High estrogen levels from conditions like cirrhosis or certain medications also contribute. The World Cancer Research Fund’s 2024 report on cancer prevention identifies obesity as a modifiable risk factor that increases estrogen production, directly fueling hormone-sensitive breast cancers in men.

Comparison of Key Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

Risk Factor	Relative Risk Increase	Prevalence in Male Breast Cancer Cases	Source
BRCA2 mutation	6-7% lifetime risk	~4-14% of cases	National Cancer Institute SEER 2024
Age (60-70 years)	Highest incidence	~50% of cases diagnosed in this range	American Cancer Society 2025
Family history (first-degree relative)	2-3x increased risk	~15-20% of cases	Journal of Clinical Oncology 2024
Obesity (BMI >30)	1.5-2x increased risk	~30% of cases	World Cancer Research Fund 2024
Klinefelter syndrome	20-50x increased risk	<1% of cases	National Organization for Rare Disorders 2023
Liver disease (cirrhosis)	2-3x increased risk	~5-10% of cases	American Liver Foundation 2024

Note: Relative risk increases are compared to men without the risk factor. Prevalence data reflects estimates from cited sources.

How Is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider. If a suspicious lump is found, imaging tests follow. Mammography is effective in men because of the smaller breast volume, but ultrasound is often used first to distinguish a solid mass from a fluid-filled cyst. According to the American College of Radiology’s 2025 practice parameters, if imaging suggests cancer, a biopsy is performed — usually a core needle biopsy — to remove a small tissue sample for pathological analysis. The tissue is tested for hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone receptors) and HER2 protein, which guide treatment decisions. Staging involves additional imaging like CT scans or bone scans to determine if cancer has spread. The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 guidelines recommend that all male breast cancer patients undergo genetic testing for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, as this information affects both treatment and family screening recommendations.

How Is Male Breast Cancer Treated?

Treatment for male breast cancer mirrors that for female breast cancer and depends on the stage, hormone receptor status, and overall health. Surgery is the primary treatment, with a modified radical mastectomy (removal of the entire breast and some lymph nodes) being the most common procedure. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 treatment guidelines, radiation therapy is often recommended after mastectomy if the tumor is large or lymph nodes are involved. Hormone therapy is critical because about 90% of male breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive, as reported by the Journal of Clinical Oncology’s 2024 meta-analysis. Tamoxifen is the standard hormone therapy drug for men. Chemotherapy is used for more aggressive or advanced cancers, and targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) are effective for HER2-positive tumors. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s 2025 guidelines also note that CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, are increasingly used in combination with hormone therapy for advanced male breast cancer.

Comparison of Male vs. Female Breast Cancer

Feature	Male Breast Cancer	Female Breast Cancer
Incidence	~2,800 cases/year in US (2025)	~310,000 cases/year in US (2025)
Lifetime risk	1 in 833	1 in 8
Average age at diagnosis	68 years	62 years
Most common type	Invasive ductal carcinoma	Invasive ductal carcinoma
Estrogen receptor positivity	~90%	~70-80%
HER2 positivity	~15-20%	~15-20%
BRCA mutation association	Stronger with BRCA2	Stronger with BRCA1
5-year survival rate (all stages)	~84%	~91%

Sources: American Cancer Society 2025, National Cancer Institute SEER 2024, Journal of Clinical Oncology 2024.

What Is the Prognosis for Male Breast Cancer?

The prognosis for male breast cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. According to the National Cancer Institute’s 2024 SEER data, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized male breast cancer (cancer confined to the breast) is approximately 97%. For regional spread (to nearby lymph nodes), the rate drops to about 83%, and for distant metastasis, it falls to around 20%. Men are often diagnosed at later stages than women, partly due to lower awareness and lack of routine screening. However, when matched by stage and age, survival outcomes are similar between men and women, according to a 2023 study in JAMA Oncology. Early detection remains the most critical factor for a favorable outcome. The American Cancer Society’s 2025 report emphasizes that men diagnosed with localized disease have an excellent prognosis, reinforcing the importance of prompt evaluation of breast symptoms.

How Can Men Reduce Their Risk of Breast Cancer?

While male breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, certain lifestyle measures may reduce risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is important because obesity increases estrogen production, which can fuel hormone-sensitive breast cancers. According to the World Cancer Research Fund’s 2024 report, regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of several cancers, including breast cancer in men. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use are also recommended. For men with known BRCA2 mutations, enhanced surveillance with clinical breast exams every 6-12 months starting at age 35 is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s 2025 guidelines. Some high-risk men may consider prophylactic mastectomy, though this is rare and requires genetic counseling. The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 risk management guidelines also recommend that men with BRCA2 mutations consider breast self-awareness and prompt reporting of any breast changes to their healthcare provider.

What Are the Emotional and Psychological Impacts of Male Breast Cancer?

A male breast cancer diagnosis carries significant emotional and psychological impacts that are often overlooked. Men may experience feelings of isolation, embarrassment, or stigma because breast cancer is widely perceived as a “women’s disease.” According to a 2024 study in Psycho-Oncology, male breast cancer patients report higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to female patients, particularly related to body image changes after mastectomy. The Male Breast Cancer Coalition’s 2025 patient survey found that 65% of men felt their emotional needs were not adequately addressed during treatment. Support groups specifically for men with breast cancer, such as those offered by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, can provide peer support. Mental health counseling and open communication with healthcare providers about emotional concerns are essential components of comprehensive care.

What Is the Role of Genetic Counseling for Male Breast Cancer?

Genetic counseling plays a critical role in male breast cancer management, both for the patient and his family. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s 2025 guidelines, all men diagnosed with breast cancer should be referred for genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2025 policy statement emphasizes that identifying a BRCA2 mutation in a male breast cancer patient has implications for his risk of other cancers, including prostate and pancreatic cancer. For family members, a positive test result means that daughters have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation, which significantly increases their breast and ovarian cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute’s 2024 SEER data shows that men with BRCA2 mutations have a 6-7% lifetime risk of breast cancer, compared to 0.1% in the general male population. Genetic counselors can help patients and families understand these risks and develop appropriate screening and prevention strategies.

How Does Male Breast Cancer Differ from Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, or benign enlargement of male breast tissue, is a common condition that is often confused with male breast cancer. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2024 clinical report, gynecomastia affects approximately 30-50% of men at some point in their lives, typically presenting as a soft, symmetrical enlargement of both breasts. In contrast, male breast cancer usually appears as a firm, irregular, painless lump behind one nipple. The American College of Radiology’s 2025 practice parameters recommend ultrasound as the first imaging test to distinguish between the two conditions: gynecomastia appears as a fan-shaped, flame-like pattern of tissue, while cancer appears as a spiculated mass. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s 2025 guidelines state that any unilateral, firm, or persistent breast mass in a man should be evaluated with imaging and possible biopsy to rule out malignancy. Understanding this distinction is crucial because gynecomastia requires no treatment beyond reassurance, while male breast cancer requires immediate oncologic intervention.