Breast Cancer in men #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

Not a lot of men are aware that they can develop breast cancer but although rare, around 370 men are diagnosed every year.

The most common age for men to get breast cancer is 60 and over but younger men can be affected too. 

The symptoms for male breast cancer slightly differ from symptoms in women. According to the NHS, these are the symptoms to look out for:

• A lump in the breast – usually hard and painless
• The nipple turning inwards
• Nipple discharge which may be streaked with blood
• A rash around the nipple that doesn’t go away
• Small bumps in the armpit (swollen glands)
• The skin around the nipple becoming red, hard and swollen

Image shows the different symptoms of male breast cancer. Credit breastcancernow

Men can also have benign (non-cancerous) breast disorders, the most common being Gynecomastia. According to cancer.org Gynecomastia is not a tumour but actually just an increase in breast tissue. 

It is most commonly found in teenage boys because of the changes in the balance of hormones in the body.

Although it is quite rare for men to get diagnosed with breast cancer, it is still important for men to get checked, especially if cancer runs in the family.

If you notice a lump or any changes to the breast or armpit area then you need to visit the GP in order to get checked. They may refer you to a cancer clinic for further tests.

Go to breastcancernow.org for support or to get more information about their services. 

You can call the Breast Cancer Now helpline for free on 0808 800 6000.