Signs & symptoms of male breast cancer

In general, men have very little breast tissue. Most of this breast tissue is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple and the surrounding pigmented area, known as the areola.This makes it easier to detect lumps in men.

Most - though not all - male breast cancer appears just below the nipple in the form of a firm lump. This can also change both the appearance and direction of the nipple. You may also experience nipple discharge or ulceration. Because men have very little breast tissue, male breast cancer growth may reach the skin, the muscles and the lymphatic system and spread beyond the breast before being diagnosed. This is why it’s important to get any lump in your breast area checked by your GP as soon as possible.

Many men are not aware of the risk of breast cancer. They may ignore a lump, assuming that it is due to an infection. They may even feel embarrassed about confronting something that they feel challenges their masculinity.

Bear in mind that most lumps in men’s breasts are not cancer, but a condition called gynaecomastia. Male breast cancer, is in fact, quite rare, affecting around 300 men each year.