Breast cancer in men

Each October, pink ribbons, bracelets and shirts are worn for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although the ribbon has become a vibrant symbol of remembrance for those who have struggled with this specific form of cancer, its traditionally "feminine" color doesn't always bring to mind the men that have also suffered from this disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2018, 2,550 men will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 480 men will die from breast cancer. 

“Usually when we think of breast cancer, we contemplate an illness that affects women,” said Larry Jaudon, environment, safety and health director at Sanford Lab. “While women have a much higher risk of breast cancer, the fact is that men are still affected by the disease, albeit at a much lower percentile. When raising awareness, it’s important to remember that breast cancer can be a debilitating illness for both men and women.”

Below is information on male breast cancer from the American Cancer Society:

Although breast cancer occurs mainly in women, men can get it, too. Many people do not realize men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer and can spread to other areas. 

While women tend to be aware of this disease and its possible warning signs, many men do not think they can get it at all. Some men ignore breast lumps or think they are caused by an infection or some other reason, and don't get medical treatment until the mass has had a chance to grow. Some men are embarrassed when they find a breast lump and worry that someone might question their masculinity. This could also delay diagnosis and reduce a man's chances for successful treatment.

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancerous) if the cells can invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. 

Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among white men than among white women. It is about 70 times less common among black men than black women. Like black women, black men with breast cancer tend to have a worse prognosis. For men, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 833.

Some factors that could increase risk of cancer include age, family history of breast cancer, inherited gene mutations, Klinefelter syndrome, radiation exposure, alcohol consumption, liver disease, estrogen treatment, obesity and testicular conditions.

This October, Sanford Lab's HealthWise section is focusing on raising breast cancer awareness. Our initiative seeks to increase public knowledge about both early detection and treatment, as well as the need for continued research. For more information on breast cancer in men, visit the American Cancer Society’s page.