Can a man get breast cancer?
The answer in a few cards.
Yes, it is possible
Men have a little breast tissue behind the nipple. Cancer can develop there.
Source: NCI, 2026
Rare, but real
Less than 1% of breast cancers affect men. In the United States, the lifetime risk is about 1 in 755.
Source: ACS, 2026
In Mauritania too
In the CNO series of 200 patients, 1.5% were men.
Source: PAMJ, 2025
The signs
A lump, often under the nipple, a nipple that turns inwards, discharge, a sore or redness.
Source: NCI, 2026
Who is more at risk?
Age (often between 60 and 70), a BRCA2 mutation, cases in the family, radiation exposure to the chest.
Source: ACS, 2026 · NCI, 2026
Taboo delays diagnosis
Many men think it is a “women's disease” and see a doctor late. It is nothing to be ashamed of: it is an illness.
Source: PAMJ, 2013
Treatment
It is similar to that of women: surgery, , , .
Source: NCI, 2026
In the United States, about 2,670 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026.
Source: ACS, 2026
“Breast cancer is a disease that only affects women.”
Men can also be affected, even if it is rare.
“A lump under the nipple in a man should be checked.”
It is the most common sign in men.
- Men can get breast cancer.
- A lump under the nipple: get checked.
- Taboo is the first enemy.
- Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version — NCI, 2026
- Key Statistics for Breast Cancer in Men — ACS, 2026
- Cancer du sein en Mauritanie : série rétrospective de 200 cas au Centre National d'Oncologie de Nouakchott (Mamina A.E.H. et al.) — Pan African Medical Journal, 2025;52:36, 2025
- Le cancer du sein chez l'homme au Maroc : quels impacts psycho-sociaux ? — Pan African Medical Journal, 2013;14:150, 2013
Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.