By Ari Cofer– UW Medicine

Breast cancer is a disease that affects the breast tissue of both men and women. However, breast cancer in men is much less common than in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. The lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about 1 in 833 for men in the U.S. compared to 1 in 8 for women in the U.S.

The symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. Some of the symptoms include a lump or swelling in the breast, changes to the skin or nipple, and nipple discharge or bleeding. Some of the risk factors include getting older, having genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, having a family history of breast cancer, having radiation therapy to the chest, having hormone therapy treatment, having Klinefelter syndrome, having liver disease, and being overweight or obese.

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in men are also similar to those in women. The most common types of breast cancer in men are invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the ducts that connect to the nipple, and ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a precancerous condition that may lead to invasive breast cancer. The treatment options for breast cancer in men may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

Breast cancer in men is a rare but serious condition that requires early detection and treatment. Men who have any symptoms or changes in their breast tissue should see a doctor right away. Men who have a high risk of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about screening and prevention strategies. By raising awareness and taking action, men can reduce their risk of breast cancer and improve their chances of survival.