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Is breast cancer only a woman's disease?
Breast cancer is much rarer in men, but it does happen, usually as a painless lump under the nipple. Because few men expect it, many see a doctor late. This page explains the signs, who is at higher risk, how treatment works and why a man's diagnosis matters for his family.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Naresh GunduConsultant Medical Oncologist · MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- Is breast cancer only a woman's disease?
- Factors that raise the chance in men
- How male breast cancer is similar and different
- The vocabulary, in plain language
- Honest realities about breast cancer in men
- How breast cancer in men is treated
- What a man's diagnosis means for relatives
- What people assume about men and breast cancer
- Common questions about breast cancer in men
The short answer
Is breast cancer only a woman's disease?
No. Men can get breast cancer too, although it is much less common than in women. Every man has a small amount of breast tissue behind the nipple, and cancer can develop there in the same way it does in women. Male breast cancer makes up only a small share of all breast cancers, which is why many people, including some men with symptoms, do not realise it exists. It is more common in older men, but it can occur at any adult age. Men with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, a change in the BRCA2 or BRCA1 gene, high oestrogen levels from obesity or liver disease, a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome, or past radiation to the chest have a higher risk. The most common sign is a painless, firm lump under or near the nipple. Other signs include a nipple that turns inwards, discharge or bleeding from the nipple, a sore that does not heal, or a lump in the armpit. Because men rarely expect breast cancer and may feel embarrassed, they often see a doctor late, when the cancer is more advanced. When found early, male breast cancer is treated with surgery, and often radiation, hormone therapy or chemotherapy, much as in women, and many men do very well.
Men have breast tissue too
A small amount of tissue sits behind the nipple, and cancer can start there.
A painless lump is the usual sign
Most men notice a firm lump under the nipple, often with nipple changes.
Embarrassment delays diagnosis
Seeing a doctor promptly about a breast change is just as important for men.
This page gives general information only. A doctor should check any breast lump in a man.Who is at higher risk
Factors that raise the chance in men
Most men with these factors never get breast cancer, but they are worth knowing.
Age
The risk rises with age, and most men diagnosed are older, although younger men can be affected.
Family history and genes
A mother, sister or other close relative with breast or ovarian cancer, or an inherited BRCA change, raises risk. BRCA2 carries the higher risk for men.
Genetic counselling can help families understand this.Higher oestrogen levels
Obesity, long-term liver disease and some hormone medicines can raise oestrogen in a man's body.
Other factors
Some less common situations also increase the chance.
Also linked
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Past radiation to the chest
- Problems with the testicles
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistMen and women compared
How male breast cancer is similar and different
Aspect
In men
How common it is
Rare compared with women, but it does happen
Usual type
Most are hormone-positive, driven by oestrogen
Stage at diagnosis
Often later, because men delay seeing a doctor
Usual surgery
Mastectomy is more common, as there is little breast tissue to conserve
Outlook stage for stage
Broadly similar to women with the same stage and type
Words you may hear
The vocabulary, in plain language
- Gynaecomastia
- Harmless growth of breast tissue in men, much more common than cancer.
- BRCA2
- A gene that, when changed, raises the risk of breast and prostate cancer in men.
- Hormone receptor-positive
- Cancer that grows in response to hormones and can be treated with hormone therapy.
- Mastectomy
- Surgery to remove the breast tissue, including the nipple in most men.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Removing the first few armpit lymph nodes to check whether cancer has reached them.
- Klinefelter syndrome
- A genetic condition in which a man has an extra X chromosome.
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Being straight with you
Honest realities about breast cancer in men
Because it is rare, male breast cancer has some particular challenges that are worth being open about.
Less research focuses on men
Much of the evidence comes from studies in women, so some treatment decisions are based on that experience.
Most breast swelling in men is not cancer
Gynaecomastia is far more common, but only a doctor can tell them apart with confidence.
Emotional support may feel harder to find
Support groups often focus on women, and some men feel isolated. Counselling can help.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot say whether a lump is cancer. An examination and tests can.
Treatment
How breast cancer in men is treated
Treatment follows the same principles as for women and depends on the stage and type of cancer.
Surgery
Most men have a mastectomy, with a check of the armpit lymph nodes. The chest usually heals flat.
Radiation therapy
This may be advised after surgery to lower the chance of the cancer returning in the chest or nodes.
Hormone therapy
Because most male breast cancers are hormone-positive, oestrogen-blocking tablets are often taken for several years.
Chemotherapy and targeted treatment
These may be recommended for larger cancers, node-positive cancers or HER2-positive types.
For the family
What a man's diagnosis means for relatives
A breast cancer diagnosis in a man can be a clue to an inherited gene change in the family.
Genetic testing is often offered
Many guidelines suggest testing for all men with breast cancer, as a BRCA change is more likely.
Daughters and sisters may benefit
If a gene change is found, female relatives can consider earlier or more frequent screening.
Sons and brothers too
Men who carry a BRCA2 change have a higher risk of prostate cancer as well as breast cancer.
Commonly believed
What people assume about men and breast cancer
Men cannot get breast cancer because they have no breasts.
Men have breast tissue behind the nipple, and cancer can develop there.
A lump in a man's chest is just fat or muscle.
Any new firm lump should be examined, especially under the nipple.
Male breast cancer is always more deadly.
Stage for stage, outcomes are broadly similar; late diagnosis is the main problem.
Having breast cancer makes a man less masculine.
Cancer is a medical condition and says nothing about a man's identity.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about breast cancer in men
What does breast cancer in a man feel like?
Usually a firm, painless lump under or close to the nipple, often on one side only. The nipple may pull inwards, leak fluid or blood, or the skin may look red, scaly or ulcerated. Any of these changes should be checked by a doctor within a few weeks.
How is it different from gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is usually a soft or rubbery, often tender swelling centred behind the nipple, frequently on both sides. Cancer tends to be firm, one-sided and sometimes off-centre. The two can overlap, so a doctor will examine you and may arrange a mammogram or ultrasound.
Do men need mammograms?
Routine screening mammograms are not recommended for men in general. They are used to check a lump or symptom. Men with a known BRCA change may be advised to examine their chest regularly and discuss a personal plan for checks with their doctor.
Will I need my whole breast removed?
Most men have a mastectomy because there is so little breast tissue that removing only the lump rarely leaves a good result. The surgery is usually well tolerated, and recovery is often quicker than for larger operations. Your surgeon will explain the options for your situation.
Are the side effects of hormone therapy different for men?
Men may experience hot flushes, lower sex drive, erection problems, weight gain and mood changes. These can be frustrating, but many improve with time or practical help. Talk to your team rather than stopping tablets, as finishing the course lowers the chance of recurrence.
Should my family have genetic testing?
If you are found to carry a gene change, your close relatives can be offered testing to see whether they share it. A genetic counsellor explains what the results would mean and helps the family decide who should be tested first and how to act on the answer.
Can a man with breast cancer continue to work?
Many men keep working during at least part of their treatment, especially with hormone therapy alone. Surgery and chemotherapy usually need some time off. Talk to your employer about flexible hours if needed, and to your team about planning treatment around your job.
Where can men find support?
Hospital counsellors, medical social workers and online groups for men with breast cancer can help. Some men prefer to speak to a partner or a close friend first. It is normal to feel unusual having a cancer mostly associated with women, and talking about it helps.
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Talk to our team
Speak to a breast cancer specialist
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
Helpline open 24/7
Sources
- American Cancer Society — Breast cancer in men
- National Cancer Institute — Male breast cancer treatment
- NHS — Breast cancer in men
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.