Male Breast Cancer
An uncommon but important awareness.
Men Can and Do Get Breast Cancer
Yes, breast cancer overwhelmingly affects women, but men also have breast tissue and are at risk of developing breast cancer. In the United States, less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men.
- In 2026, an estimated 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- About one in 755 men will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
What increases a man’s chance of developing breast cancer?
- Men who have an inherited mutation like BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 can increase breast cancer risk.
- The risk for male breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are found in men over the age of 50.
- Men who have had radiation therapy to the chest wall have an increased risk for breast cancer.
- Men who have a strong family history of breast cancer are at increased risk.
- Having increased levels of estrogen can increase a man’s risk for breast cancer (i.e., medications such as hormone therapy or having Klinefelter’s Syndrome– a genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to the body making higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of androgens – hormones that help develop and maintain male sex characteristics).
- Obesity can also increase the risk of male breast cancer.
- Liver disease such as cirrhosis can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men.
Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer can include:
- A painless lump or swelling of the breast.
- Irritation or thickening of the skin of the breast.
- Scaly, flaky nipple.
- Changes to your nipple, such as redness or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Retraction of the nipple (pulling inward of skin)
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Medical history and physical exam.
- Diagnostic mammogram.
- Breast Ultrasound.
- Breast Biopsy for suspicious findings.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)
- Core needle biopsy (CNB)
FAQs
Do men really get breast cancer?
Yes, men can and do get breast cancer, although it is much less common than in women.
How common is this disease in men?
Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers. About 2,670 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2026.
What is the best way to diagnose breast cancer in a man?
Breast cancer in a male is diagnosed the exact same way it is diagnosed in a woman. A male will need a physical exam, mammogram, and possibly an ultrasound of the breast. If a suspicious mass is found, a needle biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Do I really need a mastectomy?
Surgery for men follows the same principles as it does for women. Because men have less breast tissue, mastectomy is more often the recommended path — but that is a conversation with your surgeon about your tumor, not a foregone conclusion.
What are the side effects of the different treatments?
What is the prognosis for a man diagnosed with breast cancer?
Men diagnosed at an early stage have a good chance of cure. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the breast tissue, and chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended depending on your situation. Stage at diagnosis matters more than gender — which is why the delay men often take before getting a lump checked is the thing worth fixing.
What are the warning signs I should look for?
A painless lump or swelling in the breast, thickening or irritation of the skin, a nipple that turns inward, scaling or redness of the nipple, or any nipple discharge. Because there is less tissue to hide it, a lump in a man is often easier to feel — which is exactly why it should never be waited out.
What raises a man's risk?
An inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, a strong family history of breast cancer, age over 50, previous radiation to the chest wall, conditions that raise estrogen levels such as Klinefelter syndrome or hormone therapy, obesity, and liver disease such as cirrhosis.
Should I get genetic testing?
Any male with breast cancer should undergo genetic testing. Speak to your doctor about it.
Will I need chemotherapy or radiation?
It depends on your stage, your tumor’s biology, and your pathology report — the same factors that drive those decisions in women. Some men need neither. Ask your oncologist what your specific results point to.
Where do I find other men who have been through this?
Read Rod’s, Harvey’s, and Richard’s stories on this page, then connect through the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, HIS Breast Cancer Awareness, or Male Breast Cancer – awareness and beyond. You are uncommon. You are not alone.
Male Breast Cancer Survivors
“Learn Look Locate has long recognised that these three words apply to men too. Although we make up only one percent of new cases, when you are a part of that cohort, the disease presents a very real threat to your wellbeing. Help spread the word that this disease has no gender boundaries.”
“People say that I’m a Man with a Woman’s disease. I say I am a MAN with a disease that the world needs to be educated about! Predetermined by my genetic mutation which affects men and women equally. I will continue my work to enlighten the world about BRCA mutations and Male Breast Cancer until my very last breath!”
“My journey with breast cancer began just after one finish line. And I intend to keep crossing them—whether they’re marathons or milestones—because every stride forward is part of the fight against breast cancer for all of us.”
Shattering Stigma: The Reality of Male Breast Cancer
In this eye-opening video, Cynthia Jordan, founder of Learn Look Locate, sits down with two male breast cancer survivors, Harvey and Rod. Together, they delve into the unique challenges faced by men diagnosed with breast cancer and the importance of raising awareness about this often overlooked disease.
DR. YARA ROBERTSON
“Breast cancer is thought of as a woman’s disease, and it is. Only 1% of all breast cancers are found in men. Because it is rare to find breast cancer in a man, those diagnosed can feel alone. I hope that Learn Look Locate can make the journey less lonely.”
– Yara Robertson, MD, FACS, Breast Surgical Oncologist – Medical Advisor
Take Early Steps in Male Breast Cancer Care and Treatment
At Learn Look Locate, we’re committed to empowering individuals to manage their breast cancer care. In partnership with BreastCancerTrials.org, we provide information on clinical trials for men — whether you’re at risk, newly diagnosed, or beyond — exploring innovative treatments and advanced screening methods that aim to improve outcomes and patient experience.
“When I participated in the clinical trial, I didn’t just benefit from the research — I became the research.”
— Richard, Stage II Male Breast Cancer Survivor
Understanding Male Breast Health & Screening
Breast cancer in men is less common, which can make it harder to recognize when something isn’t typical or when screening may be needed.
Understanding how breast health, imaging, and evaluation work can help bring clarity to what’s being looked at and why.
This section brings together medically vetted resources, developed in collaboration with Learn Look Locate’s medical advisors, to help you better understand screening, imaging, and how these pieces fit together.
Understand what’s normal and when to seek medical attention.
Learn when mammograms may be used and how they help evaluate breast concerns.
Dense breast tissue can impact how cancer is detected. Learn what it means and how it may affect imaging.
Understand what happens if further evaluation is needed and how a biopsy provides answers.
Explore how imaging tools work together to assess breast health.
Learn how inherited mutations, including BRCA, may impact risk and screening decisions.
Often the first imaging tool used—learn how it works and what to expect.
Find tools and guidance to help you navigate your care and ask the right questions.
This content has been medically reviewed by:
Breast Surgical Oncologist, Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate
