Men's Health / Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer in Men: It Happens, No Need to be Ashamed
July 22, 2026
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Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses worldwide.
However, since men do not undergo routine screening, the disease is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. The average age at diagnosis among men is 67, although breast cancer can occur at any age.
For this reason, experts emphasize the key importance of dispelling the myth that breast cancer is exclusively a women’s disease and raising awareness among men, particularly older men and those with a family history of the disease.
In Latin America, breast cancer in men is often diagnosed at a later stage, largely because of a lack of awareness. This can contribute to poorer outcomes and higher mortality compared with women.
Men may be less likely to recognize a breast lump as a potential sign of cancer and generally have less awareness of the disease. As a result, they may delay seeking medical attention, allowing the cancer to progress before it is diagnosed and treated.
Also, they usually don’t think breast cancer as a “men’s disease.”
Other Key Facts About Breast Cancer in Men
- Breast cancer in men begins with the growth of malignant, or cancerous, cells in breast tissue. Everyone, both men and women, has breast tissue.
- Men with breast cancer often notice a lump in the breast tissue, commonly beneath the nipple.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer in men.
- Treatment for breast cancer in men usually includes surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Nearly all breast cancer cases in men are estrogen receptor‑positive. As a result, treatment includes hormone therapy, just as it does for women with breast cancer.
- Factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in men include family history, age, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), and elevated estrogen levels.
Men should become familiar with how their breast tissue normally looks and feels so they can recognize any unusual changes. They should also seek medical attention if they notice a lump or other changes rather than dismissing them because of the misconception that breast cancer is a “women’s disease.” Greater awareness can help reduce delays in diagnosis and ensure timely treatment.
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