Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Always consult your Doctor, Pharmacist or Nurse for medical advice.
Published on Aug 1, 2025
Authored by Pfizer Medical Team
When most people think of breast cancer, chances are they don’t think of men. Most of what we see and hear about breast cancer focuses on women. Although it is uncommon, men can and do get diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2024:
The good news is about 87% of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive 5 years later.3
People may think that men cannot develop breast cancer because they do not think of men as having breasts. But in fact, both men and women have breast tissue. Men have less breast tissue than women and most of it is found behind the nipple. Cancer can occur in male breast tissue.4
Male breast cancer is uncommon and about 1% of breast cancer cases each year are in men.5 This makes it hard for researchers to study male breast cancer. There is also less information and resources available for men with breast cancer as compared to women.6
Because men have less breast tissue than women, lumps may be easier to feel. Unfortunately, having less breast tissue also means that the cancer can spread more easily to nearby areas (such as the nipple, the skin covering the breast, or the muscles under the breast). Men may also put off seeing a doctor and have larger tumour sizes at diagnosis.7 These factors may contribute to a poorer outcome for men with breast cancer.
Despite the potential to feel lumps more easily, the lack of awareness of physical symptoms (by patients and doctors) can result in over a 1 year delay between symptoms and diagnosis.7,8 Limited knowledge of male breast cancer and the accompanying warning signs often leads to a delay in seeking help and ultimately results in later diagnosis.7
Public awareness may also play a role in the delay. For example, awareness of breast cancer in women may be higher because of widespread advocacy, education, screening programs, and breast cancer-related health campaigns - initiatives that don’t exist to the same extent for male breast cancer.6
From the word ‘breast’ to the symbolic pink ribbon, breast cancer is often seen as a female illness. Because of this, some men may feel embarrassed, or alone when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. It can also affect how men feel about their masculinity, body image, attractiveness and sexuality.6
Men might also put off seeing a doctor because they may be embarrassed about changes in their breast, delaying diagnosis and treatment.6
Risk factors for male breast cancer may include:4,5,9,10
Getting older
Having a family history of female or male breast cancer on either side of the family
An inherited mutation in BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) and BReast CAncer gene 2 (BRCA2)
Having several relatives with colon cancer, prostate cancer or ovarian cancer
Previous treatment with radiotherapy – particularly around the chest area
Having a disease that raises oestrogen levels in the body (e.g. cirrhosis of the liver or a genetic disorder called Klinefelter syndrome)
Symptoms of male breast cancer may include:4,5
A lump in the breast (aka chest) (usually painless but may be tender)
A change in the skin colour, shape or appearance of the breast, nipple or pectoral muscle
Fluid discharge from the nipple
Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area
Pain in the breast area
These symptoms are not always due to breast cancer, but it is important to see your doctor if you notice them. You should also see your doctor if you develop any new or unusual changes in your breast. If the changes are caused by breast cancer, early diagnosis improves the chances of the cancer being treated successfully.5
Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions about breast cancer or your risk of developing breast cancer.
For more support or information on Breast Cancer in Men visit: