Understanding Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is often thought of as a women's health issue, but men can develop it too. It accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases worldwide. According to medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, incidence increases with age, and it is most frequently diagnosed in men over 60 years old.
A study published in 2025 estimated that global cases of male breast cancer increased from 9,777 in 1990 to 38,827 in 2021, with an age-standardized incidence rate of 0.94 per 100,000 inhabitants in that last year.
Why Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
According to the Mayo Clinic, everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue. Although male breast development differs from female development, this tissue can undergo cellular changes that lead to cancer.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that because this disease is unusual in men, some patients do not identify symptoms immediately or attribute early signs to other causes. Oncologist and hematologist Dr. Halle Moore explained that this mindset can delay medical consultation, which is why raising awareness is so important.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
The most common symptom is the appearance of a lump or an area of thickening in the breast tissue, usually developing underneath or around the nipple. Additional signs mentioned by Mayo Clinic include:
- Painless lump in the chest.
- Skin changes: dimpling, wrinkling, scaling, or color variations.
- Nipple alterations: inversion, discharge, or bleeding.
- Pain in the affected area (as noted by Cleveland Clinic).
Not all lumps mean cancer; some may be benign conditions like gynecomastia (non-cancerous breast tissue enlargement). However, both institutions recommend consulting a doctor upon noticing any change to determine its origin.
Causes and Types
While the exact trigger is unknown, the mechanism is clear: some breast tissue cells develop DNA changes, multiplying uncontrollably and surviving longer than normal. This accumulation can create a tumor capable of invading healthy tissue and, in advanced stages, spreading to other body parts.
The most frequent types are:
Ductal Carcinoma
Begins in the milk ducts connected to the nipple. It is the most common type.
Lobular Carcinoma
Starts in the milk-producing glands. It is rarer in men because they have fewer lobular cells.
Less common variants include Paget's disease of the nipple and inflammatory breast cancer.
Risk Factors
Mayo Clinic identifies several risk factors:
- Older age, especially over 60.
- Family history of breast cancer.
- Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Klinefelter syndrome: a genetic disorder where a male is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome.
- Obesity and certain liver diseases.
- History of testicular inflammation or surgery.
- Hormone therapies using estrogen, sometimes used for prostate cancer.
Crucially, the Cleveland Clinic points out that a man can develop breast cancer even without known risk factors. Therefore, monitoring symptoms is central to early detection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A mammogram can be used on men, though it is not part of a mass screening program. It is usually ordered when symptoms appear and may be complemented with an ultrasound.
Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected tissue. Depending on the case, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other complementary strategies may be recommended. The approach is similar to that used for women and depends on the tumor type, disease stage, overall health, and patient preferences.
Prevention and Check-ups
Dr. Halle Moore noted that because breast cancer is culturally associated with women, many patients hesitate to mention chest changes during consultations. Overcoming this stigma and seeking prompt medical advice is fundamental for a positive outcome.
Sources: Infobae, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic.