Experiences with
Breast cancer in men

SymptomsCausesPreventionDiagnosisMedical treatments

Symptoms of breast cancer in men include a lump or swelling in the chest or armpit, nipple discharge, ulcers on the skin and changes in the nipple.

In men, things that make you more likely to get breast cancer include being over 60, having a faulty gene, and having high hormone levels.

Drinking less alcohol, losing weight and not smoking can lower your chance of getting breast cancer.

The main tests for breast cancer include a breast examination, a breast X-ray (mammogram), an ultrasound and taking a small sample of cells (biopsy).

Surgery is usually the main treatment for breast cancer. You may also have radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted medicines.

Main symptoms of breast cancer in men

Symptoms of breast cancer in men may include:

a lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
liquid leaking from your nipples (nipple discharge), which may have blood in it
changes in the size or shape of either side of your chest
sores or ulcers on your chest
a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)

It's important to check your chest regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your chest or nipples.

you have a lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
you have nipple discharge from either nipple
you have any changes in your chest or nipples that are not normal for you

Who is more likely to get breast cancer

Anyone can get breast cancer and it's not always clear what causes it.

In men, you might be more likely to get it if you:

are over 60
have other people in your family who've had breast or ovarian cancer – you may have inherited a faulty gene, such as a faulty BRCA gene
have had radiotherapy to your chest before
have had a condition that affected or damaged your testicles (such as undescended testicles, or mumps as an adult)
had surgery to remove one of both of your testicles
work in a hot environment like a steel works (this can damage your testicles, which can increase your risk of breast cancer)

You may also be more likely to get it if you have higher levels of the hormone oestrogen. This may be more likely if you:

have long-term damage to your liver, such as cirrhosis
have obesity or are overweight
have a condition called Klinefelter syndrome

Many breast cancers are also linked to lifestyle, such as smoking.

How to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer

You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.

try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
try to lose weight if you are overweight
try to quit smoking

Main tests for breast cancer

You may be referred to a breast clinic if a GP thinks you have possible breast cancer symptoms that need investigating.

At the breast clinic, you will have more tests and scans to check for breast cancer or other breast conditions. These may include:

an examination of your chest
an X-ray of your breast tissue (mammogram)
an ultrasound of your breast tissue
taking a small sample of cells (biopsy), usually using a needle, to test for breast cancer and look for certain proteins in the breast cancer cells (which can help decide which treatments are best)

You may not need all these tests. You will usually have all the tests you need in 1 visit at the breast clinic.

Main treatments for breast cancer

The treatment you'll have for breast cancer depends on:

the size and type of breast cancer you have
where it is
if it has spread to other parts of your body
your general health

The main treatment for breast cancer is usually surgery. You may also have chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment with hormones (hormone therapy), and targeted medicines.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
talk to you about how treatment may affect you, for instance if there are any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

If you have breast cancer, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about breast cancer.