# Breast Cancer in Men | Breast Cancer Charity

> Source: https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/
> 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.

## 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.

## What symptoms should I 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.

## What are the risk factors for breast cancer 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/)

## How is it treated?

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

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. What symptoms should I look for? The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women: How is it treated? Male breast cancer is treated in the same way 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. 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. 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.

Clinical sources

- [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk)
- [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int)

This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Desk-assessed against NHS and WHO guidance — [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/).

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