✔ Backed by: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · National Cancer Institute (NCI). Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
When most people picture Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they picture pink ribbons and women’s stories. Those stories matter. But here is something many people do not realize: men have breast tissue too, and men can get breast cancer.
It is rare, but it is real. And many men do not know it can happen to them. So they may wait too long to get a change checked. Let’s change that. Share this post with the men in your life.
How common is it?
The CDC says about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man [1]. Most cases in men are found after age 50 [1]. The most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the ducts [1].
One in 100 may sound small. But every one of those men is someone’s dad, brother, partner, or friend.
Breast cancer signs to watch for
The CDC lists these possible signs in men [1]:
- A lump or swelling in the breast
- Redness or flaky skin in the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin
- Nipple discharge
- The nipple pulling inward, or pain in the nipple area
NCI adds that swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone can also be a sign [2]. These changes can also come from conditions that are not cancer [1]. Many breast changes in men turn out to be benign. But any unusual change should be checked by a doctor [2].
The CDC’s advice is simple: if you have any symptoms or changes, see your doctor right away [1].
Why men are often diagnosed later
NCI notes that men have a slightly lower five-year survival rate than women. That’s partly because men are often diagnosed at a later stage [2]. Black men are more often diagnosed late than White men and are more likely to die from the disease [2].
Part of the problem is that many men simply never think “breast cancer” when they notice a lump. Some feel embarrassed to bring it up. Others assume it is just a pulled muscle or a cyst and wait to see if it goes away. Waiting is the thing to avoid.
You can say: “I found a lump near my nipple. I know it’s probably nothing, but I’d like to get it checked.” Doctors hear this. There is nothing embarrassing about it.
Who has a higher risk?
The CDC and NCI list factors that can raise a man’s risk [1] [2]:
- Older age
- An inherited change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- A close family member with breast cancer
- Radiation therapy to the chest in the past
- Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition
- Certain conditions that affect the testicles
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis
- Obesity
Family history works both ways. A man with this cancer is one of the signs that a family may carry a BRCA change. That can matter for his daughters, sons, sisters, and brothers too [3]. If a man in your family has had this cancer, mention it to your own doctor.
What about screening?
Routine screening mammograms are generally not recommended for men, even men at higher risk. Instead, doctors may suggest regular clinical breast exams and watching for changes [2]. If a man has symptoms or a higher risk, his doctor may order a mammogram or other imaging [1] [2].
If you have a strong family history, ask your doctor whether genetic counseling makes sense. If a BRCA change is found, your doctor can explain how to watch for cancer early [1].
If it is breast cancer
Treatment for men is generally similar to treatment for women. It depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread [1] [2]. Sometimes the cancer is found early, while it is still only in the breast. Then NCI reports a five-year relative survival rate of about 98% [2]. That is why getting a change checked quickly matters so much.
Men with this diagnosis sometimes say they felt out of place in waiting rooms full of pink. Ask your care team about support groups or counseling. You deserve support too.
How to help a man you care about
Many men are not used to talking about their health, and breast changes can feel especially awkward to bring up. If you notice someone you love is worried about a lump, or keeps mentioning “this weird spot,” you can help.
Keep it simple and calm. You can say: “I read that men can get breast cancer too. It’s probably nothing, but would you get that checked so we both know?” Offer to help make the appointment or to go with him. Sometimes the push from someone who cares is what gets a man through the door.
And if you are a man reading this, here is your reminder: you know your body. If something looks or feels different in your chest area, make the call. Getting it checked is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Questions to ask the doctor
- What do you think this change could be?
- What tests do I need to find out for sure?
- Given my family history, should I talk to a genetic counselor?
- If it is not cancer, what signs should make me come back?
Let’s talk about it
Did you know men could get breast cancer? Has a man in your life been through it? What would help more men feel comfortable getting a change checked? Share your thoughts below, and consider sending this post to a man you care about.
One Tru Step: Text this post to one man in your life with a short note: “Didn’t know this. Thought you should too.”
Sources and further reading
- CDC: Breast Cancer in Men
- NCI: Breast Cancer in Men
- CDC: People at Increased Risk for BRCA Gene Mutations
Sources checked October 15, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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