Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Yes, men can get breast cancer. While breast cancer is far more common in women, men have breast tissue too, and they can develop cancer in that tissue. It’s not as common, but in 2025 it is estimated that approximately 510 men will die from breast cancer. Because awareness is low, men often don’t recognize the warning signs until the disease has progressed.

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

Early detection is key. Men should be aware of the following warning signs and seek medical attention if they notice:

• Flaky, red, or scaly skin on the chest or nipple.
• Pain or tenderness in the armpit or chest
• Nipple discharge or nipple retraction
• A lump on the chest or armpit, or swelling

These symptoms may not always indicate cancer, but they should always be checked by a healthcare provider.

Understanding Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer:

 

• Family history—having close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer raises risk, especially if linked to inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
• Genetic mutations—BRCA mutations significantly increase breast cancer risk in both men and women.
• High estrogen—conditions such as obesity, liver disease, or hormone therapy can increase estrogen.
• Testicular issues—problems like undescended testicles or injury to the testicles may contribute to hormonal imbalances.

 

Note: While this article focuses on cisgender men, anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as transgender and nonbinary individuals. Those who have undergone hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery should talk with their healthcare provider about their individual risk and recommended screening options.

Stages of Male Breast Cancer

After diagnosis, doctors determine the stage of cancer to understand how advanced it is and guide treatment. Staging depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has reached other parts of the body.

• Stage 0: Noninvasive or precancerous cells that have not spread beyond the ducts.
• Stage I: Small tumor (up to 2 cm) confined to the breast tissue.
• Stage II: Larger tumor or spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to several lymph nodes or nearby tissues.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or liver.

Knowing the stage helps doctors create a personalized treatment plan and gives patients a better understanding of what to expect.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis for men is similar to that for women. A doctor may perform a clinical breast exam, mammogram, or biopsy to confirm cancer.

Treatment often includes a combination of:

• Surgery, typically a mastectomy to remove breast tissue and nearby lymph nodes if cancer has spread.
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy, which uses medication to target cancer cells throughout the body.
• Hormone therapy, for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, medications like tamoxifen block hormones that help cancer grow.
• Targeted therapy, advanced drugs that attack specific cancer cell features.

Early detection can dramatically improve survival rates. Because breast cancer is often seen as a “women’s disease,” men may delay seeking help or feel embarrassed discussing symptoms. 

When to Reach Out

If you notice any unusual changes in your chest area or have concerns about your risk for breast cancer, don’t wait to get checked. Early evaluation can make all the difference. Revere Health’s Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers can help with initial exams, screenings, and referrals if needed. For patients diagnosed with cancer, our Radiation Oncology team provides comprehensive, compassionate care close to home.

 If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your Revere Health provider today.