early detection

Breast Cancer in Men: It’s Rare — But It’s Real

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Breast cancer is usually talked about as a disease affecting women, but men have breast tissue, too, and they can develop breast cancer. Knowing the basics helps you spot changes early and act fast.

What is Breast Cancer in Men?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue. Men have a small amount of breast tissue (mostly behind the nipple), and the same main types seen in women can occur in men:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

These types behave in men much like they do in women.

How Common is It?

Male breast cancer is uncommon. The CDC estimates that about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in a man.

For 2025, the American Cancer Society projects about 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men and about 510 deaths in men. The average lifetime risk for a U.S. man is about 1 in 726.

ACS also notes that breast cancer is ~100× less common among white men than white women and ~70× less common among Black men than Black women, and that Black men with breast cancer tend to have a worse outlook—important disparities that underscore the need for awareness and timely care.

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Signs and Symptoms to Watch for

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following on one side or both:

  • A lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
  • Nipple discharge
  • Redness, scaling, or flaky skin on the breast or nipple
  • Irritation, dimpling, or puckering of breast skin
  • Nipple turning inward (retraction) or nipple pain

Sometimes cancer spreads to lymph nodes near the collarbone or under the arm and causes a lump before a breast lump is felt. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that aren’t cancer, but they should always be checked.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Your risk may be higher if you:

  • Have a strong family history of breast cancer or carry BRCA1/BRCA2 gene changes (especially BRCA2)
  • Have had chest radiation
  • Have conditions that raise estrogen levels (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, certain liver diseases)
  • Have obesity or certain testicular conditions
     Risk increases with age. Talk to your clinician about whether genetic counseling/testing is right for you.

How is it Treated?

Treatment depends on the tumor’s size and whether it has spread. Options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy—similar to treatments used for women. Your care team will tailor a plan to you.

Bottom Line

Breast cancer in men is rare, but real. If you notice a new lump, nipple changes, skin dimpling, or discharge, don’t wait—see your healthcare provider right away. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes.

 

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Bring Your Brave: Knowing Your Risk, Owning Your Health

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Most breast cancers occur in older adults, but diagnoses among women younger than 45 have been slowly rising. The good news: deaths have fallen overall thanks to better awareness and early detection. Bring Your Brave puts practical, culturally relevant tools and stories in one place so younger women can spot risks and speak up sooner.

Meet Marleah

A Personal Story

Meet Marleah. At 25, she learned she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation. That knowledge meant hard choices—but it also sparked a career in advocacy and helped her take charge of her care. Her story is one of many from the CDC’s Bring Your Brave campaign, which shares real experiences to help women under 45 understand breast cancer risk and act early.

Map Your Family History

Knowing your family health history is one of the most powerful ways to understand your personal risk. CDC’s My Family Health Portrait: Cancer (free on iOS and Android) helps you gather relatives’ cancer histories and get a personalized assessment for breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer risks you can share with your clinician.

Who May Have a Higher Risk at a Young Age?

You may face a higher risk before 45 if any of the following apply to you:

  • A close relative was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at 45 or younger.
  • You have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change.
  • You had radiation therapy to the chest during childhood or early adulthood.
  • You’ve had breast cancer or certain breast conditions such as LCIS, DCIS, or atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia.

If these sound familiar, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a genetic counselor, earlier or more frequent screening, or steps to lower risk.

Screening: What to Know

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years from ages 40 to 74 for people at average risk. If you’re at higher risk, your clinician may suggest starting earlier, screening more often, or using additional tests (such as MRI). The right plan depends on your personal and family history—bring your questions.

Quick note on self-checks: Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is valuable—if you notice changes (a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or persistent pain), call your provider. Formal monthly self-breast exams don’t replace recommended screening and are not a stand-alone screening test.

What You Can Do Today

  • Download the CDC app My Family Health Portrait: Cancer and start a confidential family history. Share it at your next appointment. (Google Play | App Store)
  • Explore Bring Your Brave stories like Marleah’s for guidance on talking with family, navigating genetics, and advocating for yourself.
  • Ask your clinician whether your history or heritage suggests earlier or additional screening. If so, request a referral to genetic counseling.
  • Know your normal. If something feels off, don’t wait—get it checked. (The National Breast Cancer Foundation offers a clear, step-by-step guide on self-awareness techniques.)

Bottom line: Bring Your Brave is about informed action. Learn your risk, start the conversation, and make a plan that fits you—because early knowledge can be life-changing.

 

Read More From The Uncas Health District

Recent Cancer Report Reflects the Importance of Early Screening

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Every year, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer offers a snapshot of the nation’s ongoing battle against cancer. This collaborative effort from  the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides crucial insights into cancer incidence, mortality, and trends. 

From the public health perspective, this report helps highlight both the progress we’ve made and the areas where our work can make the biggest difference — particularly when it comes to the life-saving potential of early screenings.

 

Key Takeaways in Cancer Trends

The latest report paints a picture of both encouraging advancements and persistent challenges in the fight against cancer. One of the most significant positive trends is the steady decline in overall cancer death rates observed between 2001 and 2022. This sustained decrease underscores the impact of advancements in treatment, early detection methods, and prevention efforts.

At the same time, new cancer diagnoses among women grew steadily among women between 2003 and 2021 — largely driven by a consistent rise in breast cancer diagnoses. However, the overall mortality rate from breast cancer has been on the decline.

The report shows a profound impact in public health initiatives directed at curtailing harmful habits. The decline in smoking and increasing prevalence of smoking cessation programs over the past two decades has resulted in a significant drop in tobacco-related cancers.

Conversely, the report highlights an emerging trend of concern: a rise in the incidence of cancers associated with obesity. These include cancers of the female breast, uterus, colon and rectum, pancreas, kidney, and liver. 

 

Decoding the Data: What Cancer Rates Really Tell Us

Understanding the data from this report requires us to look beyond the numbers. It’s especially important to recognize that changes in cancer rates don’t always translate directly to changes in the actual occurrence of cancer. For instance, an increase in reported cancer cases in a community might understandably cause concern. However, this increase could actually reflect more effective and widespread screening programs. 

Screening programs are designed to detect cancers earlier, often at a more treatable stage. While this leads to a higher number of diagnoses being recorded, the early detection is also a significant contributor to better outcomes.

It’s notable how the overall rate of new cancer cases in the United States plummeted 8 percent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic disruptions making it more difficult for patients to see their doctor, it was more challenging for them to receive the screenings that could lead to early detection. New cancer cases returned to expected levels in 2021. 

 

The Power of Prevention: How Cancer Screenings Improve Our Understanding

Cancer screenings are more than just tests; they are powerful tools that significantly enhance our understanding and management of cancer. By proactively looking for signs of cancer in individuals who may not yet have symptoms, screenings offer several key advantages:

  • Early Detection: This is perhaps the most critical benefit. Detecting cancer at an earlier stage, when it is often smaller and hasn’t spread, dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
  • Identifying Precancerous Changes: Some screenings can identify precancerous conditions, allowing for interventions that can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
  • Understanding Disease Patterns: Population-wide screening data contributes valuable information to our understanding of cancer incidence, prevalence, and risk factors within specific communities. This data helps inform public health initiatives and resource allocation.
  • Empowering Individuals: Screening programs empower individuals to take an active role in their health. Knowing their screening options and understanding the potential benefits can lead to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.

 

Your Local Support: Cancer Screening Services at the Uncas Health District

The Uncas Health District is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community through various cancer prevention and early detection initiatives. We proudly offer resources and support for:

We encourage you to reach out to the Uncas Health District to learn more about available screening programs and how you can take proactive steps towards cancer prevention and early detection. Your health is our priority, and early detection can make a life-changing difference.