Can men get breast cancer? Let’s put that common myth to bed.
Yes, men can get breast cancer. Both men and women possess the same type of breast tissue, though it functions differently in each sex.1 In 2023, over 200 Australian men were diagnosed with breast cancer, with an average diagnosis age of 71 years.1 The primary types of breast cancer found in men include invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is the most prevalent, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).2 You can read more about the different types of breast cancer here.
What does breast cancer look like in men?
Some signs and symptoms that may indicate breast cancer include:1,3
- Changes to the nipple such as discharge, a nipple that turns inwards, scaling or redness
- Changes to the skin such as redness, dimpling or puckering
- Swollen lymph nodes (under the arm)
- Painless lump or thickening in the breast tissue
What can cause breast cancer in men?
Some of the things that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in men include:1,3
- Increasing age
- High levels of estrogen
- Family history of breast cancer (female or male)
- Family history of colon, prostate or ovarian cancers
- Some testicular disorders
- Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY chromosomes instead of XY)
- BRCA gene mutations
There are also certain lifestyle factors which may influence breast cancer risk in men, such as:1,3
- Being overweight or gaining weight
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption
How is breast cancer diagnosed and treated in men?
Breast cancer in men is diagnosed the same way as breast cancer in women, via clinical breast examination, mammogram, ultrasound, and/or biopsy.1,2 Treatment options depend on several factors, such as the type of breast cancer, how far it has spread through the body and your overall health and personal preferences.2 Treatment options may include:1,2
- Surgical intervention to remove the tumour or breast tissues - a mastectomy (full removal of breast tissue including the nipple) is commonly used in men over a lumpectomy
- Radiation therapy where x-rays target any remaining cancer cells may be recommended following surgery
- Hormone therapy may be administered to block hormones that fuel cancer growth
- Chemotherapy may be used to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells
- Targeted therapy based on the cancer's specific characteristics and progression may be used in combination with chemotherapy
Depending on each individual situation, one or more of these options may be offered.
Find out more
View our breast cancer page
