Published on Oct, 2022
Last reviewed on Sept, 2023
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 Australia in 2022, there were an estimated 205 cases of breast cancer in males1.
In New Zealand, around 25 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.2
The good news is that 87% of Australian men who are diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive 5 years later.3
Many people are unaware that men can develop breast cancer because they do not think of men as having breasts. The fact is, both men and women have breast tissue. Men have less breast tissue than women do and most of it is found behind the nipple. Cancer can occur in male breast tissue.4
Male breast cancer is uncommon and makes up less than 1% of all cancers in men. 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.5
Because men have less breast tissue than women, lumps may be easier to find. Unfortunately, having less breast tissue also means that the cancer can spread more easily to the nipple, overlying skin, chest muscles and lymph nodes. Men may also put off seeing a doctor and have larger tumour sizes at diagnosis. These factors may contribute to a poorer outcome for men with breast cancer.6
Despite the potential to feel lumps more easily, the lack of awareness of physical symptoms (by patients and doctors) can result in up to 2 years in delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Men tend to have limited knowledge of this disease and the accompanying warning signs such as lumps. This often leads to a delay in seeking help and ultimately results in later diagnosis.5,6
Public awareness may also play a role in the delay. For example, awareness of breast cancer in women may be higher because of widespread women’s advocacy, education, screening programs, and breast cancer-related health campaigns—initiatives that don’t exist for male breast cancer.5
From the word breast to the symbolic breast cancer pink, breast cancer is often seen as a female disease. 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.5
Men might also put off seeing a doctor because they may be embarrassed about changes in their breast, delaying diagnosis and treatment.5
Risk factors for male breast cancer include: 4,7,8
Symptoms of male breast cancer include:4,7
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.7
Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions about breast cancer or your risk of developing breast cancer.