Yes, men can get breast cancer. Here’s how common it is.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. — but men might not be aware they are also at risk.
Although fewer than one percent of breast cancers in the U.S. occur in men, about 2,670 men are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer – the most common type – this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Stigma surrounding male breast cancer has long been tied to delayed diagnosis and researchers have been pushing for more men to be included in clinical trials.
Former X-Men actor Tyler Mane, 59, announced his diagnosis with a “super rare” form of the disease on Monday.
“I’ll be honest, my first reaction was to keep it secret,”the former pro wrestler wrote in a caption on a video he shared to his social media accounts. “I mean it’s kind of embarrassing. But then I found out that men are more likely to be diagnosed in advance stages BECAUSE it’s not talked about and not looked for.”
Mane said people should start talking about it because it’s “VERY treatable” if caught early.
Treating male breast cancer is the same as treating cases in women. For example, men can also get surgeries to remove their breasts affected by cancer, known as mastectomies.
Men are treated with mastectomies 86 percent of the time, according to a 2021 review of past research.
Like in women, breast cancer can occur at any age, although the risk increases as they age.
The average age at the time of diagnosis is between 60-70 years, the society notes.
The average lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 755, but it may vary case to case.
Still, rates of male breast cancer are on the rise largely thanks to rising obesity rates, doctors say. Some 100 million Americans live with excess fat that puts them at risk for cancer and other chronic conditions.
“There’s an annual increase of about 1 percent or less in male breast cancer cases,” Cristina Lopez-Penalver, a breast surgical oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, explained in a statement last year.
“The obesity epidemic plays a significant role, as it leads to elevated estrogen levels, which stimulate breast epithelial proliferation and can facilitate malignant transformation which is the mechanism of action behind breast cancer,” she said.
Approximately 530 men are expected to die of the condition this year.
Risk factors for male breast cancer include older age, particularly over 60, a family history of breast cancer, and elevated estrogen levels, which can result from conditions such as obesity or chronic liver disease.
Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer can present with a variety of symptoms. It’s important to be aware of the following warning signs:
A painless lump or swelling in the chest or armpit,
Nipple discharge, which may contain blood,
Changes in the size or shape of one side of the chest,
Sores or ulcers on the chest,
Changes to the nipple, such as inversion or a persistent rash
When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast, it can affect other parts of the body such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain. This is known as metastatic breast cancer. General symptoms of advanced disease may include:
Persistent fatigue or lack of energy,
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss,
Nausea or feeling unwell without a clear cause,
Difficulty sleeping
Regular self-examination is important, as it helps men become familiar with what is normal for their chest. If you notice any of these symptoms or have any concerns, consult your general practitioner (GP) promptly.
While these signs can be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions, it is essential to have them evaluated to rule out breast cancer.
