How common is breast cancer in men?

Men's breast cancer is relatively rare compared to breast cancer in women, but it's important to be aware of it.

While men with breast cancer is less common it is still possible. Men can develop it too however, less than 1% of all breast cancer cases are men. Approximately, 3,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Men typically have less breast tissue than women, which is one reason why breast cancer is less common in men. Men with breast cancer may experience similar symptoms to women, including a lump in the breast tissue, nipple changes (suck as inversion or discharge), swelling, or enlargement of the breast, and skin changes around the nipple area. Any unusual changes in the breast should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Men may face challenges in the diagnosis and awareness of breast cancer due to several factors. There may be a lack of awareness among men and healthcare providers about the possibility of breast cancer in men, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, because breast cancer screening programs primarily target women, routine screening for breast cancer in men is not as common. However, men with a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) associated with an increased risk of breast cancer may benefit from earlier and more frequent screening.

BRCA gene mutations can occur in both men and women, but they are less common in men. However, when men do inherit a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, they have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and possibly other cancers such as pancreatic cancer.

Men with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly if the cancers occurred at a young age, may have a higher likelihood of carrying a BRCA mutation. Additionally, men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer themselves are more likely to have a BRCA mutation compared to the general male population.

It's essential for men with a family history of cancer or other risk factors to discuss their risk with a healthcare provider, who may recommend genetic counseling and testing to assess their risk of carrying a BRCA mutation.

Awareness, early detection, and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in men diagnosed with breast cancer. Men should be proactive about discussing any concerns or changes in their breast health with their healthcare providers.

I hope that this information is helpful and raises awareness for men who risk factors are high concerning breast cancer.

Your Breast Friend,

Edie A. Tolbert

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