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Breast cancer in men is rare but does occur, since men have a small amount of breast tissue. Symptoms can include a lump in the breast area, changes to the nipple such as inversion or discharge, or changes to the skin over the breast, similar to signs seen in women.
Evidence checked against current NHS information and NICE NG101. Breast cancer is rare in men but clinically important; a new breast or chest lump, nipple change or discharge requires assessment, and treatment is based on tumour characteristics and stage.
Public health education article
Any breast lump in a man deserves prompt assessment — Because breast cancer in men is rare, any new lump or change should be checked by a doctor without delay, since awareness of male breast cancer is generally lower than it should be.
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Breast cancer in men is rare but does occur, since men have a small amount of breast tissue. Symptoms can include a lump in the breast area, changes to the nipple such as inversion or discharge, or changes to the skin over the breast, similar to signs seen in women.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
You notice a lump in the breast or underarm area
Breast cancer in men is rare but does occur, since men have a small amount of breast tissue. Symptoms can include a lump in the breast area, changes to the nipple such as inversion or discharge, or changes to the skin over the breast, similar to signs seen in women.
Because it's rare and less well known, breast cancer in men is sometimes diagnosed later than in women, so being aware of the signs and getting any changes checked promptly is important.
Because breast cancer in men is rare, any new lump or change should be checked by a doctor without delay, since awareness of male breast cancer is generally lower than it should be.
Rarity doesn't mean impossibility — any new lump or breast change in a man should be assessed by a doctor promptly, just as it would be in a woman.
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BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Breast cancer in men is rare, but awareness of the signs and prompt assessment of any changes leads to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Any new lump or breast change in a man should always be checked by a doctor, regardless of how uncommon this cancer is believed to be.