What men need to know about breast cancer

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, much of the conversation understandably focuses on women, who account for approximately 99% of breast cancer diagnoses. But breast cancer affects men as well, a reality that often receives far less attention.

For one West Texas man who asked to remain anonymous, the diagnosis came after more than a year of symptoms he largely dismissed.

"For quite a while, the area around my left nipple was super sensitive," said the man. "Even brushing it against doors and other things bothered me a lot, but I ignored it. Then one night while I was wrestling with my son, he headbutted me in the chest, and I thought I was going to pass out from the pain."

Earlier this year, the man scheduled an appointment with his primary care physician, who referred him to surgeon John Cole, DO, with Hendrick Clinic General Surgery. After a mammogram and ultrasound identified an area of concern, Dr. Cole performed a lumpectomy to remove tissue for testing.

The pathology results showed cancer, prompting additional surgery and testing to determine whether the disease had spread. After cancer was found in a nearby lymph node, the patient underwent 30 rounds of radiation treatment. Today, he continues follow-up care close to home.

"I really wasn't concerned with the diagnosis," the man said. "Dr. Cole was the right person to deliver that message. He was very confident that he would be able to handle it, and his confidence gave me confidence."

The American Cancer Society estimates 2,670 U.S. men will be diagnosed with the disease in 2026, and about 530 will die from it this year.

While those numbers represent 1% of overall breast cancer cases, researchers have documented a significant increase in male breast cancer diagnoses worldwide. A study published in Clinical Breast Cancer reported approximately 20,750 cases among men ages 15 to 64 in 2021, a 272% increase from 1990.

"Men need to know that male breast cancer is a real thing," said Dr. Cole. "Men need to pay attention if they feel a lump or mass under the skin in their chest, most commonly behind the nipple area. They might also notice a change in nipple shape or nipple discharge. If that happens, they need to have it checked by a health professional."

That lack of awareness can have consequences.

"Men are typically diagnosed at a later stage of the cancer because they do not seek medical attention when they first discover the abnormality," said Dr. Cole. "We have improved our messaging to women to have any mass of the breast checked by their doctor, but because less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men, they are often unaware of the potential diagnosis."

Looking back on his experience, the patient encourages other men not to ignore persistent symptoms.

"So many times as parents, especially men, we ignore symptoms because the kids or other things come first," he said. "But I would encourage anyone, but especially dads, to get checked if you think something is wrong. We all want to take care of our families, but you can't take care of them if you're not here."