Breast cancer in men is rare. About 350 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. This accounts for fewer than 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer.
Many people don't know that men can get breast cancer because they aren't aware that men have breasts. But men do have a small amount of breast tissue behind their nipples. This is where breast cancer can develop.
Symptoms of breast cancer in males
In most men, breast cancer is first noticed as a painless lump under the nipple or areola.
Other signs may include:
- a nipple turning in (inversion/inverted nipple)
- changes in the size or shape of the breast
- a rash affecting the nipple
- discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- a swelling or lump in the armpit
- an ulcer on the skin of the breast.
*Information provided by Macmillan cancer support
At The Christie, the breast cancer clinical oncology team specialises in non-surgical breast cancer treatment.