Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in females (people assigned female at birth), but males (people assigned male at birth) can also develop it. Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. In Canada, an estimated 290 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and 60 men died from the disease.

Since men do not receive routine mammograms and may not be aware of their risk, diagnosis often happens at a later stage, leading to more advanced disease.

A note on language: We use "men" or "male" to refer to people assigned male at birth. We acknowledge and respect that individuals may use different terms to describe themselves and their bodies.

Risk Factors
While the exact cause of male breast cancer is unknown, certain factors may increase risk:

• Family history of breast cancer, especially BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
• Higher estrogen levels due to obesity, liver disease, or hormone therapy
• Radiation exposure
• Older age (most between 60–70 years old)
• Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic condition causing lower androgen and higher estrogen levels
• Heavy alcohol use

Since BRCA mutations also raise the risk of prostate and pancreatic cancer, genetic testing and counseling may be beneficial for men and their families. For more information visit read our blog post Why Men Should Consider Genetic Testing for BRCA Genes.

Symptoms
Male breast cancer symptoms are similar to those in females and may include:

• A painless lump in the breast or chest area
• Nipple changes, such as discharge, inversion, or a rash
• Swelling or tenderness in the chest
• Lumps under the arm, which may mean there is cancer in the lymph nodes
• Skin changes, like redness, dimpling, or peau d’orange (skin resembling an orange peel)

Men should practice breast self-awareness (BSA) by regularly checking their chest for changes and reporting concerns to a healthcare provider.

Types of Male Breast Cancer
The main types of breast cancer found in men include:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to nearby tissue
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer that starts in the duct lining
• Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare, aggressive cancer that causes redness and swelling
• Paget disease of the nipple: A rare form affecting the skin of the nipple

Breast cancer in men is also classified by receptor status, which influences treatment options:

• Hormone receptor (ER/PR) positive: The most common in men; treated with hormone therapy
• HER2 positive: Less common; treated with targeted therapies
• Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): Lacks ER, PR, and HER2 receptors; often treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy

Diagnosis and Testing
Since male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, testing is important. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Clinical breast exam: A doctor checks for lumps or other changes
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or diagnostic mammogram (men do not receive routine screening, but mammograms may be used if symptoms are present)
• Biopsy: Confirms the presence and type of cancer
• Tumour grading and staging: Determines how aggressive the cancer is and whether it has spread

Treatment for Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer is treated similarly to breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Treatment may include:

• Surgery: Most men undergo a mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) rather than a lumpectomy
• Chemotherapy: Used to destroy or slow cancer growth
• Hormone therapy: Tamoxifen is commonly used for HR positive cancers
• Radiation therapy: Targets remaining cancer cells after surgery
• Targeted therapy: HER2 positive cancers may be treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin)

More clinical trials now include men, offering access to emerging treatments.

Finding Support
Many breast cancer support resources are designed for women, which can make men feel isolated after diagnosis. However, organizations like The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance provide opportunities to connect with other men facing similar experiences.

Medical Review by Roochi Arora, MD, FRCPC, August 2025

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