--- title: "Breast Cancer in Men: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment" description: "Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. Symptoms resemble those in women but are often noticed later. Check chest and nipple." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/ robots: noindex --- # Breast Cancer in Men: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment Breast health information Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. Symptoms resemble those in women but are often noticed later. Check chest and nipple. ## Quick answer Breast cancer in men is rare — less than 1% of all UK cases — but it does occur. All men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer at any age. **Your next step:** see a GP (or your doctor, if you live outside the UK) about any new breast or chest change. These guides explain general information; your care team can advise on your own situation. **Content updated:** 28 May 2026 . Independent clinical review has not yet been recorded for this page. [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) At a glance Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all UK cases BRCA2 mutation is a significant risk factor for men Most male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive ## How common is breast cancer in men? Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. Although rare, male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. It is most commonly diagnosed in men aged 60–70. ## Symptoms to look for The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women: - A lump or swelling in the breast (usually just under the nipple) - Nipple changes — pulling in, discharge, or a sore or rash - Skin changes — dimpling or puckering of the skin over the breast - A lump or swelling in the armpit Men are less likely to check their chests and may delay seeking help due to the assumption that breast cancer only affects women. This often leads to later diagnosis. ## Risk factors in men - Age — most diagnoses are in men over 60 - [BRCA2](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-genes-and-family-history/) gene mutation — significantly raises risk (lifetime risk of around 6–8%) - Klinefelter syndrome — a chromosomal condition that increases oestrogen levels - High oestrogen levels — caused by obesity, liver disease or certain medications - [Family history of breast cancer](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-genes-and-family-history/) ## Treatment Male breast cancer is treated in the same way as female breast cancer — surgery, [radiotherapy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-radiotherapy/), hormone therapy (most male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive), chemotherapy where appropriate, and targeted therapies for [HER2-positive](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/her2-positive-breast-cancer/) tumours. ## Frequently asked questions What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men? The symptoms are similar to those in women: a lump or swelling in the breast (usually just under or behind the nipple), nipple changes (pulling inward, discharge, a sore or rash), skin changes (dimpling or puckering), or a lump in the armpit. Because many men assume breast cancer only affects women, diagnosis is often delayed. Any unusual chest change should be checked by a GP. How common is breast cancer in men? Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year — less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. It is most commonly diagnosed in men aged 60–70. Risk is higher in men with a BRCA2 gene mutation (lifetime risk of around 6–8%), Klinefelter syndrome, or high oestrogen levels. Is male breast cancer treated differently? Male breast cancer is treated using the same approaches as female breast cancer — surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy (most male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive), chemotherapy where appropriate, and targeted therapies for HER2-positive tumours. Tamoxifen is the main hormone therapy used in men. ## Sources and further reading - [NHS: symptoms of breast cancer in men](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-men/) - [NHS: causes of breast cancer in men](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-men/) - [NHS: treatment for breast cancer in men](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/treatment-for-breast-cancer-in-men/) - [NHS inform: breast cancer in men](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/breast-cancer-in-men/) - [NICE NG101: endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng101/chapter/Recommendations#endocrine-therapy-for-hormone-receptor-positive-breast-cancer) - [Cancer Research UK: breast cancer incidence statistics](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/incidence-invasive) - [WHO: breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer) This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [Support ### Where can I get breast cancer support in the UK?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/breast-cancer-support/) [🎗️ ### What is breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/)[🎗️ ### What are the symptoms of breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms/)[💊 ### What treatments are used for breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-treatment/)