When most people hear “breast cancer,” they picture a woman. Yet men have breast tissue too, which means they can get breast cancer as well. Because of that blind spot, many men brush off early warning signs. So here’s what to know about male breast cancer, the signs to watch for, and why speaking up early matters.
How Common Is It?
Male breast cancer is rare, but it’s very real. According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers in the U.S. is found in a man. On top of that, Mayo Clinic notes it’s most often diagnosed in men in their 60s.
Here’s the catch. Routine screening mammograms aren’t usually recommended for men. As a result, men tend to be diagnosed at a later stage than women, according to the National Cancer Institute. That’s why knowing the signs is so important.
Signs to Watch For
The most common sign is a lump or thickening in or near the breast. Often, it’s painless. Other symptoms of male breast cancer include:
- Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin on the chest
- A nipple that turns inward or feels painful
- Scaly or flaky skin around the nipple
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm
Granted, many breast changes in men turn out to be harmless. Even so, any new change deserves a quick check with your doctor.
Who Has a Higher Risk?
Certain factors raise the odds of male breast cancer. According to the CDC and Mayo Clinic, these include:
- Older age
- A family history of breast cancer
- Inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis
- Obesity
- Certain conditions that affect the testicles
- Past radiation treatment to the chest or hormone therapy
If you have one or more of these, talk with your provider. From there, you can decide together whether regular clinical breast exams make sense for you.
Why Early Detection Matters
On a brighter note, when male breast cancer is caught early, the outlook is strong. According to the National Cancer Institute, the 5-year relative survival rate for men with cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the breast is 97.6%. Once it spreads to distant parts of the body, however, that number drops sharply.
If something feels off, your doctor will likely start with a physical exam. Next, you may need imaging, such as a mammogram or ultrasound. In some cases, a biopsy follows.
Make the Call
Breast cancer doesn’t only affect women. While male breast cancer is uncommon, knowing the signs and your risk could make all the difference. So, if you notice a lump or any change in your chest, don’t wait it out. Instead, make the call. And if you love a man who’s been putting off a checkup, share this post with him.
At Memorial Health, our providers are here to help you find answers. To schedule a visit with an LCHC primary care provider, call 580.355.5242. You can also browse our provider directory to find the right fit. If you need cancer care, the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma offers treatment close to home.
Resources:
- CDC: About Breast Cancer in Men
- Mayo Clinic: Male Breast Cancer Symptoms and Causes
- National Cancer Institute: Breast Cancer in Men
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