Causes Of Breast Cancer In Men

Overview

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. Men have a small amount of breast tissue, so they can get breast cancer too.

No. Breast cancer in men is rare. About 1 in 1000 men will develop it during their lifetime. For comparison, about 1 in 8 women develop breast cancer.

It mainly affects older men, usually those over age 60, but it can occur at any age. Men with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, certain gene mutations, or high estrogen levels are at greater risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A hard, painless lump in the breast or under the nipple
• Thickening in the breast tissue
• Nipple turning inward (pulling in)
• Fluid leaking from the nipple
• Redness, scaling, or dimpling of the skin around the nipple
• Sore or tender nipple

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is not known, but breast cancer starts when breast cells multiply out of control.
• Changes in certain genes (such as BRCA2) can increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Hormone levels play a role, especially estrogen, which may help some breast cancers grow.

Risk factors

• Age — risk increases with age, especially after 60
• Family history of breast cancer in men or women
• Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Klinefelter syndrome, a condition where men have an extra X chromosome
• Obesity, which can raise estrogen levels
• Liver disease, which can affect hormone balance
• Past radiation therapy to the chest area
• Taking medicines that raise estrogen levels

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor quickly if you have a red, hot, painful breast area with a fever.
• Seek same-day care if you notice a lump that is growing rapidly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you feel any lump or thickening in the breast area.
• See a doctor if your nipple changes shape, turns inward, or leaks fluid.
• If a breast symptom lasts more than a week, it is worth getting checked.

Diagnosis

A doctor will examine your breast, chest, and lymph nodes under your arm. If something feels unusual, the doctor may recommend imaging tests and a biopsy. You may be referred to a specialist breast clinic.

Tests that may be done

• Clinical breast examination — the doctor feels for lumps or changes
• Mammogram — an X-ray of the breast
• Ultrasound — an imaging test using sound waves
• Biopsy — a small sample of tissue is taken and checked for cancer cells
• Hormone receptor tests — show whether the cancer uses hormones to grow

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. Imaging tests are painless and usually take less than an hour. A biopsy is done with a thin needle, often using a local anesthetic to numb the area. Results usually take a few days. Waiting for results can feel stressful, and your care team will explain the findings and next steps clearly.

Treatment

Treatment for male breast cancer is similar to treatment for female breast cancer. Your care plan will depend on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and whether it has spread. The team may use one or more approaches such as surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Self-care at home

• Eat nourishing foods that appeal to you, even when you are tired.
• Rest when you need to, but take short walks to keep your energy up.
• Keep a diary of side effects to share with your care team.
• Ask friends or family for help with daily tasks during treatment.

Medical treatments

Doctors may suggest surgery to remove the cancer, radiation to destroy leftover cancer cells, or systemic treatments that reach cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic treatments may include hormone therapy (to block the effects of hormones), chemotherapy (to kill cancer cells), or targeted therapy (to attack specific features of the cancer cells). You will not be given a medication without a clear explanation of why it is recommended.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually the first treatment. For small tumors, only the lump may be removed (lumpectomy). For larger tumors, the whole breast may be removed (mastectomy). Sometimes lymph nodes under the arm are also removed to check for spread.

Living with this condition

After diagnosis, you will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and watch for any signs of recurrence. It is common to feel tired during and after treatment. Many men find that keeping a routine and pacing themselves helps them feel more in control.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay as physically active as your energy allows.
• Limit alcohol—no more than a few drinks per week.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight, especially after treatment.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can support your strength and immune system. Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or stretching usually helps with fatigue, mood, and blood circulation. Talk to your care team before starting a new exercise plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Breast cancer in men can feel very isolating because it is often seen as a woman's disease. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed at times. If these feelings make it hard to eat, sleep, or do daily activities, tell your healthcare team. Support from a counselor or psychologist can make a big difference. If you ever feel in crisis, reach out to a mental health helpline or emergency care right away.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer in men. However, you may lower your risk by staying at a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, avoiding unnecessary radiation to the chest, and knowing your family history. If you have a BRCA2 or BRCA1 gene mutation, a genetic counselor can help you understand your risk and possible prevention strategies.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for breast cancer.

Screening programmes

Screening is not routine for men. However, if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially with a known gene mutation, your doctor may suggest regular clinical breast exams and self-checks. Discuss your personal risk with your healthcare provider.

Complications

If left untreated

• Cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm and beyond.
• It may spread to bones, causing pain or fractures.
• It may spread to the liver or lungs, affecting their function. Advanced disease can be harder to treat but still has treatment options.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for male breast cancer is often good, especially when the cancer is found early. Because men tend to notice a lump more quickly than women, many cases are diagnosed at an early stage. Treatments continue to improve, and many men live long, healthy lives after treatment. Your care team will give you clear information about what your results mean.

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