While breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, it is essential to recognise that men can also develop this disease.
Though rare, male breast cancer is a growing concern, often detected at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness.
This late diagnosis makes treatment more complicated and outcomes less favourable.
Approximately 1 in every 100 breast cancer diagnoses occurs in a man.
Male breast cancer develops in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind the nipple and can spread if undetected.
Understanding the risk factors, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and engaging in early detection are key to reducing risk.
What Is Male Breast Cancer?
Male breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours.
These tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and may invade surrounding tissues.
Forms of Male Breast Cancer
1. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: This is the most common form in men. It begins in the milk ducts and spreads outward. The malignant cells begin in the lining of these ducts and eventually break through the duct walls, invading surrounding breast tissue.
If not detected early, these cancerous cells can enter the lymphatic system or bloodstream, spreading (metastasising) to other parts of the body such as the lungs, bones, liver, or lymph nodes.
IDC accounts for approximately 80–90% of male breast cancer cases, making it the most significant type to recognise and monitor.
2. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This is a less common form that begins in the lobules, the small glands responsible for milk production in women.
Because men have very few lobules, this form of cancer is rare but not impossible.
When it occurs, it is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage due to its subtle symptoms and slower progression.
3. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive type of cancer where abnormal cells are confined within the milk ducts and have not yet spread to surrounding tissues. DCIS is considered an early or “precancerous” condition, but without proper treatment, it can evolve into invasive cancer over time.
In rare cases, men may also develop other subtypes, such as Paget’s disease of the nipple or inflammatory breast cancer, both of which can cause noticeable changes in the nipple or skin texture. These types are aggressive and require prompt medical attention.
Recognising Early Warning Signs
Men must pay attention to any unusual changes in their chest area. Some key symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include:
- Lumps or Thickening: Any lump or firm area under or near the nipple should be checked. Even small, painless lumps can be early signs of cancer.
- Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling around the nipple may signal underlying growth.
- Nipple Discharge or Inversion: Fluid discharge, especially if bloody, or an inward-turning nipple, is a concerning symptom.
- Swelling or Pain: Persistent tenderness, swelling, or discomfort around the chest or underarm may indicate abnormal tissue growth.
Risk Factors That Predispose You To Breast Cancer
1. Family History And Gene Mutations
A significant risk factor for men is having a close relative (male or female) with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 5 men with breast cancer has a family history of the disease.
Men with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in first-degree relatives, are at an elevated risk.
Genetic counselling and testing can identify carriers of harmful mutations.
If you have multiple relatives who have had cancer, consider undergoing genetic screening to understand your personal risk profile.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Breast cancer risk increases when a man’s estrogen levels rise or testosterone levels fall. Conditions that can alter hormonal balance include:
- Klinefelter’s Syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes higher estrogen and lower testosterone.
- Liver disease impairs the body’s ability to process hormones properly.
- Obesity, as fat tissue converts androgens into estrogen.
- Radiation therapy to the chest area.
- Long-term Hormone Treatments, such as estrogen therapy for prostate cancer.
3. Environmental And Occupational Influences
External factors can also contribute to male breast cancer. Men working in certain environments are more exposed to carcinogens or hormone-disrupting chemicals.
- Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the chest for other cancers can increase breast cancer risk.
- Chemical Exposure: Prolonged contact with pesticides, petrochemicals, or estrogen-like compounds (e.g., BPA in plastics) can alter hormone activity.
- Heat and Industrial Work: Jobs involving extreme heat or radiation require strict safety measures.
Lifestyle Modifications for Prevention
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Body fat acts as a factory for estrogen production.
Men with excess weight, especially around the abdomen, have higher estrogen levels, increasing breast cancer risk.
Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) through a balanced diet and regular physical activity reduces hormonal imbalance.
Weight control not only lowers breast cancer risk but also supports heart health, blood sugar control, and energy balance.
2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich, Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Nutrition is one of the strongest tools in cancer prevention. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, protects the body against oxidative stress.
Foods like broccoli, kale, berries, and salmon contain natural antioxidants that reduce inflammation and repair cellular damage.
Limiting processed foods and refined sugars can help maintain stable insulin levels and support the immune system’s defence against cancerous growths.
3. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol interferes with liver function and hormone regulation, increasing estrogen circulation. Regular heavy drinking is linked to higher cancer risk.
Cutting down alcohol to one drink per day or abstaining entirely promotes hormonal stability and liver health. Substituting alcohol with water, herbal teas, or fresh juices offers refreshing, health-boosting alternatives.
4. Quit Smoking
Tobacco smoke introduces carcinogenic compounds that damage DNA and suppress the immune system. Quitting smoking restores lung and circulatory health, reduces inflammation, and lowers cancer risk across multiple organs. It’s never too late to quit; the body begins healing within days of stopping.
5. Stay Physically Active
Exercise helps regulate hormone levels, manage weight, and improve metabolism. Men should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.
Activities like brisk walking, swimming, and weight training stimulate healthy hormone production and reduce stress.
Physical activity is a natural defence mechanism that promotes energy, mental clarity, and long-term disease prevention.
Screening And Early Detection
Since male breast cancer is rare, there are no universal screening guidelines.
However, men with high-risk factors should consult their doctors about personalised screening plans.
Recommended Steps Include:
- Clinical breast exams every 6–12 months for those at high risk.
- Mammograms for men with known BRCA mutations or strong family history.
- Self-examine monthly for lumps, swelling, or nipple changes.
Medical And Preventive Options
For men at high genetic or hormonal risk, doctors may recommend preventive medications such as tamoxifen, which blocks the effects of estrogen on breast tissue.
Those undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should do so under strict medical supervision, as unmonitored hormone therapy can disturb hormonal balance.
Regular medical checkups, blood tests, and hormone level assessments are essential parts of preventive healthcare.
Empowering Men to Take Control
Breast cancer in men may be rare, but awareness, prevention, and early action can save lives.
Understanding your personal risk, making informed lifestyle changes, and maintaining medical vigilance are the cornerstones of prevention.
The message is clear: prevention is not passive; it’s a conscious choice.
