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Breast cancer in men may be rare, but it is real. Cancer does not discriminate between genders and neither should we
In men, breast tissue primarily consists of fatty tissue with a few ducts and stroma, but it can still develop the same types of cancers, the most common being invasive ductal carcinoma
When most people think of breast cancer, they associate it with women. And rightly so, because most medical literature, public campaigns, and even healthcare protocols have largely focused on female patients. Interestingly, history shows that male breast cancer has always existed. Yet, it has remained a silent subject, rarely spoken about and even more rarely researched. For decades, there was little awareness of male breast cancer, to the extent that men often ignored symptoms or dismissed them as non-threatening. This led to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Today, while we know more than we did in the past, stigma and silence still perpetuate the condition’s invisibility.
Dr Richu Sharma, MD, DrNB (Medical Oncology), Consultant Medical Oncologist, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals shares all you need to know:
Understanding the Risk
Accounting for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases worldwide, male breast cancer is considered rare. The average age at diagnosis is typically between 60 and 70 years, though it can also occur earlier in men with certain genetic mutations such as BRCA2. What makes this condition particularly concerning is that men are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to women. The absence of routine screening and low public awareness means that by the time a man seeks medical help, the disease may already be advanced.
A major part of the issue is not recognising that men too have breast tissue, though far less than women. In men, breast tissue primarily consists of fatty tissue with a few ducts and stroma, but it can still develop the same types of cancers, the most common being invasive ductal carcinoma. Most male breast cancers are hormone receptor–positive, meaning they respond well to hormone-blocking therapy.
Identified risk factors include:
Increasing age
Family history of breast cancer
BRCA2 and other gene mutations
Hormonal imbalance
Obesity
Chronic liver disease
Prior chest radiation
Some rare conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome (where a man is born with an extra X chromosome), significantly increase the risk.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms are often subtle in the beginning. A painless lump under or near the nipple is the most common sign, sometimes accompanied by nipple retraction, skin changes, or discharge. Unfortunately, because breast cancer is not commonly associated with men, these early signs are frequently overlooked. Some men hesitate to consult a doctor due to embarrassment or the belief that breast cancer is a “women’s disease.” These delays can mean the difference between catching cancer early when treatment is more straightforward and confronting it at a stage where options are more limited.
Treatment for male breast cancer is largely similar to treatment for women and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone (endocrine) therapy. Tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen, is particularly effective, as most male breast cancers are estrogen receptor–positive. Research is advancing, and we are beginning to understand that while treatments may be similar for both genders, there are biological differences in how male breast cancer develops and responds to therapy pointing to an urgent need for more male-focused studies.
The conversation about male breast cancer is slowly but steadily changing. Awareness campaigns, survivor advocacy, and greater inclusion of men in breast cancer research can help shift outdated perceptions. For men with strong family histories or known genetic risks, proactive discussions with healthcare professionals can determine whether there is a need for earlier or more frequent screening. Genetic counseling will also play an increasingly important role in identifying those at greatest risk.
Breaking the silence around male breast cancer is not just about statistics or science, it is about saving lives. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment, but this is only possible if men and their healthcare providers recognise the risk and act promptly on warning signs. Talking openly about the disease, sharing survivor stories, and educating communities can dismantle the stigma that has kept too many men in the dark.
Breast cancer in men may be rare, but it is real. Cancer does not discriminate between genders and neither should we. Men must accept this condition and seek treatment without hesitation. With greater awareness, better education, and continued research, we can move towards a future where no man faces this diagnosis too late.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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