Let’s be real—when people hear “breast cancer,” they instantly think of women. Pink ribbons, women’s health campaigns, mammograms—the whole shebang. But what if I told you that men can get breast cancer too? Yes, men. The same guys that chug beer while watching football, argue about jollof rice superiority, and claim they don’t need to see a doctor unless they’re “on the verge of death.”
Unfortunately, because breast cancer is largely seen as a “women’s issue,” men often get left out of the conversation. And that, my friend, is a big problem.
Wait, Men Have Breasts?
Yes, my guy, you have breasts. Maybe not the voluptuous kind, but biologically speaking, all humans—male, female, non-binary—start off with breast tissue. During puberty, women develop more of it, thanks to estrogen, while men’s breast tissue usually stays the same. But it’s still there, chilling, minding its business… until it’s not.
Breast cancer in men happens the same way it does in women—cells in the breast grow abnormally, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. The major difference? Because men have less breast tissue, the cancer spreads faster and is often diagnosed later.
If you think breast cancer in men is as rare as finding suya in a vegan restaurant, think again. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and roughly 530 will die from it Source. The numbers might seem small compared to the hundreds of thousands of women diagnosed each year, but for those 2,800 men (and their families), the struggle is very real.
Why Don’t More People Know About This?
- Lack of Awareness: Most men don’t even know breast cancer in men is real, so they’re not checking themselves. If you don’t think you’re at risk, why would you even consider it?
- Stigma: Society has conditioned men to see breast cancer as a “woman’s disease.” Imagine the average Nigerian uncle telling his friends, “Doctor said I have breast cancer.” The way they’ll laugh ehn? And that’s exactly the problem—men don’t want to talk about it out of fear of embarrassment or feeling like it makes them “less manly.”
- Late Diagnosis: Since men aren’t checking for lumps, most cases are caught in later stages when the cancer has already spread. And when it comes to cancer, the later you catch it, the harder it is to treat.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you’re a man and you’re reading this (or if you care about the men in your life), here are some signs to pay attention to:
- A lump or swelling in the chest (because yes, men have chests, not just pecs)
- Nipple retraction (i.e your nipple starts pulling inward like it’s shy)
- Redness or scaling of the breast or nipple (itchy, irritated skin)
- Discharge from the nipple (not normal, my guy—get it checked)
If you notice any of these, don’t do “it’s nothing” or “I’ll wait it out.” Go see a doctor.
Who’s at Risk?
While breast cancer in men isn’t as common as in women, certain factors increase the risk:
- Age: Most cases of breast cancer in men happen after 60. But let’s be honest, you don’t want to wait until you’re pushing 60 to start caring about your health.
- Family History: If your mother, sister, or grandmother had breast cancer, your risk goes up. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations aren’t just a women’s problem.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic disorder) or liver disease can cause increased estrogen levels in men, which can increase breast cancer in men risk.
- Obesity: Fat cells produce estrogen, and excess estrogen isn’t a good look when it comes to breast cancer in men.
- Radiation Exposure: If you’ve had radiation treatments near your chest, your risk is higher.
What Can Men Do?
- Check Yourself
- Every month, do a quick self-exam in the shower. Feel around your chest for lumps, swelling, or changes.
- If something feels off, don’t assume it’s gym gains—get it checked!
- Know Your Family History
- If breast cancer runs in your family, tell your doctor. Genetic testing isn’t just for women; men can benefit from it too.
- Ditch the Stigma
- Breast cancer doesn’t care if you’re a macho man or a soft boy. If you have breast tissue (which you do), you can get breast cancer.
- Encourage Other Men to Speak Up
- If you hear a guy say, “Breast cancer in men is impossible,” hit him with the facts. Awareness can literally save lives.
The Bottom Line
Breast cancer in men is real. It’s rare, but it happens. The problem isn’t just the disease—it’s the lack of awareness, the stigma, and the fact that many men don’t even consider themselves at risk. The sooner we start normalizing conversations about breast cancer in men, the more lives we can save.
So, if you’re a man, check your chest. If you have men in your life, tell them to check their chest. And if you hear someone say, “Breast cancer is a woman’s disease,” kindly hit them with a link to this article.
Your health is your wealth, my guy. Don’t take it for granted. 💪🏽
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