How common is male breast cancer?
Written in association with:
Clinical oncologist
Published: 27/02/2023
Edited by: Conor Lynch
Top Doctors recently had the pleasure of speaking with revered consultant breast oncologist, Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor. In this article below, Dr Silva-Minor walks us though some of the most common risk factors associated with male breast cancer.
How common is male breast cancer?
Male breast cancer is rare. Less than one per cent of all breast cancer affects men. In the UK, less than 400 cases a year are diagnosed.
What are some of the most common risk factors?
Like all cancers, male breast cancer is more common with advancing age, with the peak incidence being in the 60s. Genetic factors and obesity are the other common risk factors.
What is the prognosis of male breast cancer?
Prognosis is similar to breast cancer in women, but male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage simply due to the fact that it is rarer.
What does the diagnostic process involve?
A diagnosis of male breast cancer will be made after taking a careful medical history and thorough examination. Following this, the patient will undergo imaging and then a biopsy. A mammogram, MRI, and ultrasound scan will all be carried out.
How is male breast cancer treated? Does it differ from female breast cancer treatment?
Treatments are strikingly similar to female breast cancer treatments. When we talk about surgery, a mastectomy will be performed. Adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy are all also effective treatment options for patients, but it largely depends on the stage of the breast cancer.
If you are worried about potentially being diagnosed with male breast cancer, ensure that you book an appointment with esteemed consultant breast oncologist Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor today by heading on over to her Top Doctors profile.