While it is rare, men can develop breast cancer.
People assigned male at birth do not usually have benign (noncancerous) breast lumps.
It also provides information about coping with the disease.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Symptoms
Breast cancer typically does not cause signs or symptoms until it reaches a relatively advanced stage.
It is important not to ignore these problems.
The following are known risk factors for male breast cancer.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Inheriting the breast cancer variants of theBRCA1orBRCA2gene increases the chance of developing breast cancer.
It is often represented as “47,XXY.”
Because they have a Y chromosome, children with this syndrome develop stereotypical male characteristics and genitals.
History of Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
While uncommon, there is a slight increase in secondary cancer among survivors who were treated for cancer.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Smoking is one of the leading causes of breast cancer.
It resolves about 45% of the time in those cases.
However, 25% have gynecomastia that lasts into adulthood.
The diagnosis of breast cancer in cisgender men is usually initiated after symptoms develop.
In these cases, amammogrammay be used for diagnostic purposes.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Treatments are broken down into two broad categories: local and systemic.
These include surgery and radiation.
Complications
Sometimes, breast cancer treatment can put you at a higher risk of infection.
It can also make you tired or interfere with your ability to concentrate.
But it is important that you also address your emotional responses to your diagnosis.
Initial symptoms may include pain or a lump in the breast.
Diagnostic testing includes mammograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy.
The shock of the diagnosis can be jarring for anyone.
It may feel even more shocking for those assigned male at birth because its so rare.
People assigned male at birth do not typically have benign breast lumps.
Learning about the disease and seeking early treatment are great first steps when taking control of your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
People assigned male at birth do not typically have benign breast lumps.
In general, no.
Invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC) is the most common male breast cancer.
The majority arehormone receptor positive.
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