Breast Cancer in Men
Men have breast tissue too. Breast cancer in men is rare, and because few men expect it, it is often noticed late.
Medically reviewed by Charles Ortega, PA-C, MPAS · Last reviewed October 1, 2026 · Educational information, not medical advice. Innovare Tx does not perform mammograms.
How common it is
The CDC reports that about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. The American Cancer Society puts the average lifetime risk for a man at about 1 in 755, and estimates about 2,670 new cases in men in 2026.
Signs to watch for
The CDC lists these symptoms in men:
- A lump or swelling in the breast
- Redness or flaky skin in the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Nipple discharge
- Pulling in of the nipple, or pain in the nipple area
These can be caused by conditions that are not cancer. The CDC's advice is simple: if you have any symptoms or changes, see your doctor right away.
What raises risk in men
According to the CDC, risk is higher with:
- Getting older
- Inherited gene changes, such as in BRCA1 and BRCA2
- A family history of breast cancer
- Radiation therapy to the chest
- Hormone therapy treatment
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Certain conditions that affect the testicles
- Liver disease
- Overweight and obesity in older men
There is no routine screening for men
The mammogram schedules in the screening guidelines are written for women. Men are not screened routinely, so finding breast cancer early in a man depends on noticing a change and having it checked.
Family history is the exception worth acting on. The CDC advises men with a family history of cancer, or a known BRCA gene change in the family, to talk to their doctor, who may refer them for genetic counseling. A gene change found in a man also matters for his children and siblings.
How we help
If you have noticed a change, book a visit. We examine the area, help you arrange imaging at an imaging center if it is needed, and go over the results with you. We do not perform mammograms or ultrasound in our office. See what a screening visit covers.
Frequently asked questions
Next in the breast health hub
Ready to get your screening arranged?
Book a visit at our Addison clinic. We review your risk, help you arrange a mammogram at an imaging center, and go over the results with you.