Breast Cancer in Men Overview

What is Breast Cancer in Men?

Both males and females are born with breast tissue. During puberty, female hormones cause girls' breast tissue to grow into functional breasts, but male hormones suppress breast growth in boys.

Because men have less breast tissue and because that tissue is not as exposed to the growth-promoting properties of female hormones, men seldom develop breast cancer.

Approximately 10 men in a million develop breast cancer. Any cell, however, is capable of undergoing cancerous changes.

Types of Breast Cancer in Men

Men are subject to the same types of breast cancer as women, including:

• Ductal carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma 
  
• Lobular carcinoma 
  
• Paget's disease of the nipple 

Who's at Risk?

Anybody can develop breast cancer, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:

• if you are between 60 and 70 years old
• a family history of breast cancer
• a history of radiation exposure to the chest, such as prior cancer treatment

Early detection is important.

If any of your close female relatives have been diagnosed with breast cancer, ask your doctor or nurse about your risk factors and learn how to perform a breast exam on yourself.