Published on: Oct 30, 2022
Last updated: September 19, 2026
Next review: September 2027, or sooner if major male breast cancer guidance changes
Written and source-checked by: Adel Galal, Founder and Lead Writer at NextFitLife
Medical review status: This article has not been medically reviewed by an oncologist or other licensed healthcare professional.
Men can get breast cancer.
Many people do not know this.
That lack of awareness can cause delay.
A man may find a lump near his nipple and think it cannot be breast cancer.
He may wait.
That can matter.
Male breast cancer is rare, but it is real.
It can happen at any age, although it is more common in older men.
The good news is simple.
Knowing the signs can help you act sooner.
This guide explains male breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, genetics, treatment, prognosis, screening, and follow up care in plain language.
For broader cancer information, visit the NextFitLife Cancer Awareness and Prevention Hub.
Medical Notice
I am not a dermatologist or a doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice.
What I share comes from real life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers.
Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
A new breast or chest lump, bloody nipple discharge, new nipple inversion, persistent skin change, or swelling under the arm needs medical evaluation.
Do not use an online article to diagnose or rule out cancer.
Quick Answer: Can Men Really Get Breast Cancer?
Yes.
Men have breast tissue.
Cancer can begin in that tissue.
Male breast cancer accounts for fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancers in the United States.
The most common warning sign is a new lump or thickening near the breast, nipple, or areola.
Other signs can include nipple changes, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, redness, scaling, an open sore, or swollen lymph nodes under the arm.
Most breast changes in men are not cancer.
But you cannot tell for sure by touch, pain, age, or appearance alone.
A healthcare professional can decide whether you need an examination, imaging, or a biopsy.
Table of Contents
- Men Can Get Breast Cancer
- A Lump Is the Most Common Sign
- Nipple and Skin Changes Matter
- Some Men Have Higher Risk
- Not Every Male Breast Lump Is Cancer
- Diagnosis Needs More Than Touch
- Tumor Testing Guides Treatment
- Genetic Testing Can Matter
- Treatment Has Several Parts
- Stage Strongly Affects Outlook
- Follow Up and Support Matter
- Screening for Men
- When to See a Doctor
- Questions to Ask
- Sources and References
- Conclusion
- Related NextFitLife Guides
- About the Author
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Men Can Get Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is much more common in women.
But men have breast tissue too.
That tissue contains ducts and other cells where cancer can begin.
Most male breast cancers begin in the ducts.
This type is called ductal breast cancer.
Male breast cancer can happen at any age.
Risk tends to rise as men get older.
In the United States, fewer than 1 percent of breast cancers occur in men.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2026.
About 530 deaths are estimated for the same year.
These numbers show something important.
The disease is uncommon.
But uncommon does not mean impossible.
Every man should know that breast cancer in men exists.
Awareness makes it easier to take a new chest or nipple change seriously.
2. A Lump Is the Most Common Male Breast Cancer Sign
The most common symptom is a lump or thickened area.
The lump is often close to or behind the nipple.
It may feel firm.
It may not hurt.
But pain does not tell you whether a lump is cancer.
A cancerous lump can hurt.
A harmless lump can also be painless.
This is why a breast lump in men should not be diagnosed by touch alone.
Pay attention if a lump is:
- New
- On only one side
- Firm
- Growing
- Near the nipple
- Different from the tissue around it
- Still present after several weeks
Do not squeeze it every day.
Do not wait for pain.
Book a medical visit.
3. Nipple and Skin Changes Can Be Warning Signs
A lump is not the only possible sign.
Male breast cancer symptoms can also affect the nipple and skin.
Changes that deserve medical attention include:
- A nipple that newly turns inward
- A nipple that changes direction
- Clear or bloody nipple discharge
- Red or scaly nipple skin
- Crusting around the nipple
- Skin dimpling
- Puckering
- Swelling
- An open sore or ulcer
- Skin that looks thick or pitted
- A new lump under the arm
- Swelling near the collarbone
Some of these signs can come from noncancerous conditions.
That does not mean you should ignore them.
A new nipple change in an adult man deserves a proper check.
Our broader Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Guide explains breast warning signs in more detail.
4. Some Men Have a Higher Risk
Anyone with male breast tissue can develop the disease.
But some factors raise risk.
Important male breast cancer risk factors include:
Older Age
Risk rises with age.
Most cases are diagnosed in older adults.
Still, younger men can develop breast cancer.
Family History
Your risk can be higher if close blood relatives have had breast cancer.
Family history of ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer can also be relevant when an inherited cancer syndrome is suspected.
Inherited Gene Changes
Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can raise risk.
A harmful BRCA2 mutation is especially important in male breast cancer.
Other inherited gene changes can also be involved.
Past Chest Radiation
Radiation to the chest for another disease can increase later breast cancer risk.
Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome can raise estrogen levels and increase male breast cancer risk.
Liver Disease
Some forms of severe liver disease can change hormone levels.
This may raise risk.
Testicular Conditions
Some testicular conditions can affect hormone balance.
Examples can include an undescended testicle, testicular inflammation, or removal of a testicle.
Obesity
Body fat can affect estrogen levels.
Obesity is linked with a higher risk of male breast cancer.
Estrogen Exposure
Some medical treatments that increase estrogen exposure can increase risk.
Having one risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer.
Some men who develop breast cancer do not have an obvious strong risk factor.
For a wider explanation, read our Breast Cancer Risk Factors Guide.
5. Not Every Male Breast Lump Is Cancer
This point matters.
A chest lump does not automatically mean cancer.
One common cause is gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia means growth of male breast tissue.
It can happen because of hormone changes.
Medicines can also play a role.
Liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, and some other conditions can contribute.
A lump may also come from fat, a cyst, infection, skin tissue, or another noncancerous cause.
Still, you should not try to decide the cause yourself.
A healthcare professional can examine the area and decide whether testing is needed.
6. Male Breast Cancer Diagnosis Needs More Than Touch
A doctor cannot confirm breast cancer just by feeling a lump.
Diagnosis may begin with your history.
Your healthcare professional may ask:
- When you first noticed the change
- Whether it is growing
- Whether there is pain
- Whether nipple discharge is present
- Whether breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family
- Whether male breast cancer has occurred in your family
- Whether prostate or pancreatic cancer runs in your family
- Whether you had past chest radiation
- What medicines you take
Clinical Breast Examination
The doctor checks the chest, nipple, breast tissue, underarm, and nearby lymph nodes.
Mammogram
A mammogram for men can help evaluate a suspicious breast change.
A mammogram is an X ray of breast tissue.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can show more information about a lump.
It may help show whether an area is solid or fluid filled.
Biopsy
A breast biopsy removes a small tissue sample.
A pathologist then examines the tissue.
This is the key step used to confirm whether a suspicious area is cancer.
A photo cannot do this.
A home examination cannot do this.
A blood test alone cannot do this.
For more information about medical testing, visit the Medical Tests and Screenings Hub.
7. Testing the Cancer Cells Helps Guide Treatment
Finding cancer is only the first step.
Doctors also need to know what type of cancer it is.
They may test the tumor for:
- Estrogen receptors
- Progesterone receptors
- HER2
- Grade
- Other biomarkers when appropriate
Many male breast cancers are hormone receptor positive breast cancer.
This means hormones such as estrogen can help the cancer grow.
Knowing receptor status helps doctors choose treatment.
Doctors also determine the stage.
Stage describes how far the cancer has spread.
Testing after diagnosis may include imaging when needed.
Examples can include CT, PET, or bone imaging in selected cases.
Not every patient needs every scan.
Your cancer team chooses tests based on your cancer and symptoms.
8. Genetic Testing Can Be Important for Men
This is one of the most important parts of modern male breast cancer care.
Current cancer guidance supports discussing genetic testing with men diagnosed with breast cancer.
The test usually looks for inherited gene changes.
These are sometimes called germline variants.
Genes can include BRCA1, BRCA2, and others.
The result can matter for more than one reason.
It may:
- Help explain why the cancer developed
- Influence some treatment decisions
- Identify risk for another cancer
- Provide important information for close relatives
- Help relatives decide whether they need genetic counseling
Genetic testing is not the same as tumor biomarker testing.
One looks for inherited changes in your body.
The other looks at features inside the cancer.
A genetic counselor can explain the difference.
A positive test does not mean every relative will develop cancer.
A negative test also does not erase every cancer risk.
9. Male Breast Cancer Treatment Often Uses Several Approaches
There is no one treatment plan for every man.
Male breast cancer treatment depends on:
- Stage
- Tumor size
- Lymph node involvement
- Hormone receptor status
- HER2 status
- Genetic findings
- Previous treatment
- General health
- Personal preferences
Surgery
Surgery is common for cancer that has not spread widely.
A mastectomy removes breast tissue.
It is used often in men because men usually have less breast tissue.
Some men may be able to have breast conserving surgery.
The surgeon may also check nearby lymph nodes.
Hormone Therapy
Many male breast cancers use estrogen to grow.
Hormone therapy can block that signal.
Tamoxifen is commonly used for hormone sensitive male breast cancer.
Your oncology team decides whether it is suitable.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high energy treatment to destroy cancer cells.
It may be recommended after some operations.
It may also be used in other situations.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be used when the cancer has features that suggest it may benefit.
It can be given before surgery, after surgery, or for cancer that has spread.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted medicines act on certain features of cancer cells.
For example, HER2 targeted treatment can be used when the tumor is HER2 positive and the clinical situation calls for it.
Treatment for Advanced Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer means the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body.
Treatment often focuses on controlling cancer, slowing its growth, relieving symptoms, and helping a person live as well as possible.
The exact medicines depend on the cancer biology and past treatment.
Never stop or replace cancer treatment because of a supplement, diet, herb, fasting plan, detox, or online claim.
10. Stage Strongly Affects Male Breast Cancer Outlook
Many people want to know the survival rate right away.
That is understandable.
But one number cannot predict what will happen to one person.
Outlook depends on:
- Stage
- Cancer biology
- Hormone receptor status
- HER2 status
- Response to treatment
- Age
- General health
- Other individual factors
According to current National Cancer Institute data, United States 5 year relative survival estimates for male breast cancer are about:
- 95 percent when cancer is localized to the breast
- 84 percent when cancer is regional
- 20 percent when cancer has spread to distant parts of the body
These are population statistics.
They are not a personal prediction.
They are based on people diagnosed in previous years.
Treatments continue to change.
Your oncology team can explain what your stage and tumour features mean for you.
The main message is simple.
Finding breast cancer before distant spread usually gives more treatment options and a better outlook.
11. Follow-Up and Emotional Support Matter
Cancer care does not stop when treatment ends.
Follow up can include:
- Medical visits
- Physical examinations
- Review of new symptoms
- Medicine checks
- Monitoring treatment side effects
- Imaging when clinically needed
- Healthy lifestyle support
- Emotional support
Men may face a special emotional challenge.
Breast cancer is often described as a women's disease.
A man may feel embarrassed.
He may feel isolated.
He may not know anyone else with the disease.
Those feelings deserve support.
There is nothing strange or shameful about a man having breast cancer.
It is a medical condition.
Ask your cancer center about counselling, social work, survivor groups, or support groups for men with breast cancer.
For more support topics, visit our Mental Health and Wellness Hub.
Should Men Get Routine Mammograms?
Routine population mammograms are not recommended for most men.
Male breast cancer is too uncommon for the same screening program used for average-risk women.
This does not mean every man should ignore breast health.
Men should know what is normal for their chest and nipple area.
Report a new change.
High risk men need a more personal plan.
Your doctor may consider factors such as:
- A harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant
- A strong family history
- Past male breast cancer
- Previous chest radiation
- Other inherited cancer conditions
Do not schedule repeated mammograms on your own because one relative had breast cancer.
Talk with a clinician who understands hereditary cancer risk.
For broader male health information, visit the NextFitLife Men's Health Hub.
Male Breast Cancer and BRCA2
BRCA genes normally help repair damaged DNA.
When a harmful inherited change affects one of these genes, cancer risk can rise.
BRCA2 is particularly important for breast cancer in men.
Inherited BRCA changes may also affect the risk of prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.
This is why a male breast cancer diagnosis can sometimes provide useful information for the whole family.
Genetic counselling is useful because test results are not always simple.
A counsellor can explain:
- What genes are being tested
- What a positive result means
- What a negative result means
- What an uncertain result means
- Whether relatives should consider testing
- Whether other cancer screening may be needed
Male Breast Cancer vs Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is much more common than male breast cancer.
It causes growth of breast tissue in men.
It may affect one side or both sides.
It can feel tender.
It often develops under the nipple.
Male breast cancer can also occur near the nipple.
That is why location alone cannot tell the difference.
Do not rely on a checklist to diagnose your lump.
Seek care for a new, unexplained, one-sided, growing, or persistent lump.
When Should a Man See a Doctor?
Book a medical visit if you notice:
- A new breast or chest lump
- Thickened tissue near the nipple
- A nipple that newly turns inward
- Bloody nipple discharge
- Clear nipple discharge without squeezing
- A nipple rash that does not heal
- Skin dimpling
- Skin puckering
- Persistent redness or scaling
- An open sore
- Swelling under the arm
- A new lump near the collarbone
- A breast change that keeps getting worse
You do not need to wait until several symptoms appear.
One new persistent change is enough reason to ask for an examination.
What Should You Not Do?
- Do not assume men cannot get breast cancer.
- Do not wait for a lump to become painful.
- Do not diagnose a lump from a photo.
- Do not assume a soft lump is harmless.
- Do not assume a hard lump must be cancer.
- Do not rely on supplements to treat cancer.
- Do not replace biopsy with blood testing.
- Do not stop prescribed cancer treatment without speaking to your oncology team.
- Do not ignore a new nipple change.
- Do not hide symptoms because you feel embarrassed.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
If you are being evaluated for a lump, you may want to ask:
- What could be causing this change?
- Do I need a mammogram or ultrasound?
- Do I need a biopsy?
- Could this be gynecomastia?
- Does my family history change my risk?
If breast cancer has been diagnosed, ask:
- What type of breast cancer do I have?
- What stage is it?
- Are lymph nodes involved?
- Is the tumor estrogen receptor positive?
- Is it progesterone receptor positive?
- What is the HER2 result?
- Should I have inherited genetic testing?
- What surgery do you recommend?
- Will I need radiation?
- Will I need hormone therapy?
- Will I need chemotherapy?
- Are targeted medicines relevant to my cancer?
- What side effects should I report?
- How will treatment affect daily life?
- What follow-up will I need?
References and Sources
The medical information in this guide was checked against current cancer and public health sources.
- National Cancer Institute: Male Breast Cancer
Covers symptoms, risks, diagnosis, tumour testing, genetic testing, treatment, and survival data.
Read the National Cancer Institute male breast cancer guide - American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer in Men
Provides information about male breast tissue, warning signs, diagnosis, risk, treatment, and survivorship.
Read the American Cancer Society guide - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Breast Cancer in Men
Explains symptoms and major risk factors for breast cancer in men.
Read the CDC male breast cancer information - Mayo Clinic: Male Breast Cancer
Covers symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Read the Mayo Clinic male breast cancer guide - MedlinePlus: Male Breast Cancer
Provides plain language information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine about symptoms, tests, genetics, and treatment.
Read the MedlinePlus male breast cancer guide
Conclusion: Do Not Ignore Male Breast Cancer Signs
Male breast cancer is uncommon.
But it can happen.
The most important step is awareness.
Know your normal chest and nipple appearance.
Do not ignore a new lump.
Do not ignore nipple discharge.
Do not ignore a nipple that newly turns inward.
Do not ignore persistent skin changes.
Many male breast changes are harmless.
But only proper medical evaluation can tell you what is causing them.
Your action today: If you have a new breast, chest, nipple, or underarm change, book a medical evaluation instead of waiting for it to become painful or severe.
Continue Reading on NextFitLife
Use these NextFitLife guides to learn more about breast health, cancer awareness, medical testing, risk factors, and men's health.
- Cancer Awareness and Prevention Hub
- Men's Health Hub
- Medical Tests and Screenings Hub
- Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Guide
- Breast Cancer Risk Factors Guide
- Mental Health and Wellness Hub
- NextFitLife Health Hub
Frequently Asked Questions About Male Breast Cancer
Can men really get breast cancer?
Yes. Men have breast tissue, so breast cancer can develop in men. It is much less common than breast cancer in women.
What is the most common sign of male breast cancer?
The most common sign is a new lump or thickening in or near the breast, often close to the nipple or areola.
Is a male breast cancer lump painful?
It is often painless, but pain cannot confirm or rule out cancer. Any new persistent lump should be evaluated.
What does male breast cancer look like?
It may cause a lump, nipple inversion, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, redness, scaling, an open sore, or swelling under the arm. Appearance alone cannot diagnose cancer.
Can nipple discharge in a man mean breast cancer?
It can be a warning sign, especially when the discharge is new, clear, bloody, one-sided, or happens without squeezing. Other conditions can also cause discharge, so it should be medically evaluated.
What age do men usually get breast cancer?
Risk rises with age, and most cases occur in older men. However, male breast cancer can occur at younger ages too.
Does BRCA2 cause breast cancer in men?
A harmful inherited BRCA2 variant can greatly increase a man's breast cancer risk compared with men who do not carry the variant. Other genes can also affect risk.
Should a man with breast cancer have genetic testing?
Current cancer guidelines support genetic evaluation for men diagnosed with breast cancer. Results may affect treatment choices and provide useful information for relatives.
How is male breast cancer diagnosed?
Evaluation can include a clinical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. A biopsy is used to confirm whether suspicious tissue is cancer.
Do men with breast cancer need a mastectomy?
Mastectomy is common because men have less breast tissue, but it is not the only possible surgical approach. Some men may be candidates for breast conserving surgery.
What treatment is used for male breast cancer?
Treatment may include surgery, hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination. The plan depends on stage and tumor biology.
Is male breast cancer curable?
Some male breast cancers can be treated successfully, especially when found before distant spread. Individual outlook depends on stage, tumor biology, health, and response to treatment.
Should all men get mammograms?
No. Routine mammogram screening is not recommended for most average risk men. Men with very high inherited or family risk should discuss an individual screening plan with their healthcare team.
Can gynecomastia feel like breast cancer?
Yes. Gynecomastia and cancer can both cause tissue changes near the nipple. A physical examination and imaging may be needed to determine the cause.
When should a man see a doctor for a breast lump?
See a healthcare professional for any new, unexplained, persistent, growing, or one sided breast lump, especially when it occurs with nipple or skin changes.
Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.
