Can men get breast cancer? Yes, although it is rare and makes up less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. The cancer forms in the small amount of breast tissue that men have behind their nipples.
People often focus more on breast cancer in women, so many men do not know much about it. Spotting it early can lead to better results, especially for older men at higher risk.
Our Liberty Place Senior Living community sits in the scenic waterfront town of Port Orchard, Washington. We help residents stay on top of senior health awareness and share useful older adult cancer info..
Here is an eye-opening fact: The American Cancer Society estimates about 2,800 new cases of breast cancer in men in 2025 in the U.S., with around 510 deaths. Most cases show up in men over age 60. This shows why risk factors in men, like family history or hormone changes, matter in regular check-ups.
Now, let us explore more about what you need to know for smart health choices in our community and elsewhere.
Spotting the symptoms of breast cancer in men isn't as tricky as you might think, but you have to know what to watch for. The top sign is usually a painless lump or some thickening in the chest area, often on just one side.
You might notice changes in the skin, too, like:
The nipple could:
Other clues include swelling in the lymph nodes under your arm or near the collarbone, which can feel like tender spots. These male breast cancer signs don't always point to cancer, but they're worth checking out, especially for seniors, where age-related changes might mask them.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, experts estimate about 2,800 new cases in the U.S. That's much less than in women: about 100 times less for white men and 70 times less for black men. Sadly, around 510 men may die from it this year.
The lifetime risk for a man is about 1 in 726. It mostly affects older adults, with most cases in men over 60. This makes older adult cancer info vital for areas like Port Orchard, where many seniors enjoy the waterfront views and local shops.
Knowing how rare it is can ease some fears, but it also means men might ignore signs. That's why we share facts like these in our community: to build awareness without worry for early detection.
Several things can raise a man's chance of getting breast cancer. Age is a big one, since the risk goes up as you get older.
If breast cancer runs in your family, especially among close relatives, that bumps up your odds too. About 1 in 5 men with this cancer have a family history, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Gene changes, like mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, play a big role as well.
Other factors include conditions that mess with hormones, such as Klinefelter syndrome, or even being overweight, which can raise estrogen levels.
Other risk factors include:
Some of these, like keeping a healthy weight through balanced meals and activity, are things you can control. At Liberty Place, our Elevate® dining offers nutritious options that make it easier to maintain good habits, all while enjoying the waterfront charm of Port Orchard.
The short answer is yes, breast cancer in males is often curable, particularly when caught in the early stages, and treatments have come a long way to help men live full lives after diagnosis.
Success depends on how advanced it is and your overall health, but options like surgery to remove the tumor are usually the starting point. From there, you might add:
When we talk about beating breast cancer in men, the numbers look pretty good, especially if it's found early.
According to the CDC, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized cases, where the cancer hasn't spread, is about 97%. For regional stages, where it has reached nearby lymph nodes, it's around 86%, and for distant stages, it drops to 31%.
Breast cancer shows up differently in men and women, starting with how rare it is. Men's breasts have less tissue, mostly fat and stroma without many milk ducts or lobules, so lumps might be easier to feel but often get spotted later.
Men tend to get diagnosed at more advanced stages, and their cancers are usually hormone-sensitive. Women's breast cells are more active due to estrogen, leading to different growth patterns.
For most men, there aren't routine screening rules like mammograms for women, since the risk is low overall. But if you carry genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2, guidelines suggest starting annual mammograms at age 50 or 10 years before your family's earliest case.
Men usually face a breast cancer diagnosis later in life than women do. The average age hovers around 67 to 71 years old, with most cases popping up between 60 and 70.
A little knowledge can go a long way in protecting your health. So, can men get breast cancer? Yes, and while it's rare, understanding male breast cancer signs like lumps or nipple changes is key to catching it early.
At Liberty Place, we make that empowerment easy in our welcoming community right here in Port Orchard. Our assisted living and Generations memory care, paired with signature programs like Vibrant Life® for fun activities and Elevate® dining for nourishing meals, help residents stay independent while knowing caring professionals are always nearby. It's the perfect spot to thrive amid stunning Olympic mountain views and the charm of Puget Sound.
Schedule a tour of Liberty Place today!