What is the likelihood of men getting breast cancer?

Updated December 1, 2023

Healthcaretoday, gynaecomastia, breast cancer in men, BRCA in men, men boobs, breast tissue, obese men, breast lesions, Breast Cancer, Cancer, estrogen, Klinefelter syndrome, liver cancer, Cirrhotic liver, Mastectomy, lymph nodes, estrogen receptor positive, anti-estrogen treatment, MRI scans, cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, breast care, cancer awareness, fighting cancer, cancer survivor, Professor Dr See Mee Hoong,

By Professor Dr See Mee Hoong
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon,
UM Specialist Centre

In men, the prevalent benign condition is known as gynaecomastia. The occurrence of fibroid adenoma diseases in men is rare due to their thinner breast tissue. Development of these diseases usually involves external factors causing breast enlargement before the onset of such conditions, which remains uncommon.

Does obesity in men increase the risk of benign breast conditions?
From our perspective, we seldom observe men with these lesions until they present with gynaecomastia. Even during scans, specific lumps are rarely detected. Typically, it manifests as a general enlargement of the breast.

BRCA gene mutation in men
The occurrence of fibroid adenoma in men is infrequent. However, those with a family history of BRCA face a heightened risk. Men with genetic mutations are at risk of developing breast cancer. Exposure to estrogen or possessing an extra X chromosome (Klinefelter syndrome) slightly elevates the risk, although instances are limited.

Another susceptible group for breast cancer comprises individuals with liver disease. Cirrhotic liver, characterized by hardened tissue, increases exposure to estrogen, elevating the risk of cancer development.

Management
The approach to managing male breast cancer is generally akin to that of females.

Treatment
Due to limited male breast tissue, lumpectomy is usually unsuitable. Instead, mastectomy is often recommended, considering the similarity in lymph nodes between males and females.

Approximately 80 percent of male breast cancer patients are estrogen receptor positive. Post-surgery, they typically undergo anti-estrogen treatment, alongside other therapies. If lymph nodes are involved, chemotherapy and radiotherapy might be necessary, aligning with the standard management protocols.