By: Dr. Akshita Singh is a Consultant in Breast Onco Plastic Surgery at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru
Here’s a name you probably know: Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé’s dad. He opened up about his battle with male breast cancer, talking about the shame and silence that surround it. At 73, he stood tall and spoke out, hoping to shake off the stigma. “The more you talk about it, the more it loses its power,” he said — and honestly, that hits home.
The Invisible Threat: Why It Slips Under the Radar
You can see how this gets overlooked so easily. Men don’t have as much breast tissue as women, and let’s be real, breast cancer has always been seen as a “woman’s issue.” That mindset doesn’t help. But just because something’s uncommon doesn’t mean it’s not serious. The American Cancer Society estimates that 2,650 men in the U.S. alone will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. That might seem like a small number compared to women, but tell that to someone who’s just been diagnosed.
Most cases in men are spotted after 60, but don’t assume younger guys are off the hook. Symptoms? They’re eerily similar to what women experience: a painless lump, changes in breast skin, discharge from the nipple — things that are easy to ignore or misread. Because male breast cancer is so uncommon, many men chalk these signs up to something harmless. That delay in seeking help? It can be deadly.
Not Just Rare — Also Underrepresented
Here’s the other issue: barely anyone talks about male breast cancer. Public awareness is shockingly low. Flip through any health campaign — it’s almost always centred on women. That leaves men who do get diagnosed feeling like they’ve been left out of the conversation. No guidance, no visible support systems. And worse — that awful stigma of having a “woman’s disease.”
It’s a strange, almost awkward experience for many men. Some feel embarrassed, others just feel completely alone. Even the idea of joining a support group feels alien — most are tailored for women, and men often don’t know where to turn. It’s not just about treating the illness; it’s the emotional toll that comes with navigating unfamiliar territory.
So What’s Behind It?
Like many cancers, male breast cancer often has its roots in genetics. If there’s a family history, especially if female relatives had it, the risk jumps. Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are more commonly linked to women’s breast and ovarian cancers, are big red flags for men, too. Still, not all cases are genetic.
Hormonal imbalances are another piece of the puzzle. Men with higher oestrogen levels — maybe due to obesity, liver issues, or certain treatments — are more vulnerable. Past radiation therapy to the chest? Also, a risk. Then there’s Klinefelter syndrome, a rare condition where a man has an extra X chromosome. This can mess with testosterone levels and push oestrogen up — another factor that increases cancer risk.
The bottom line? Catching it early makes a huge difference. Any changes in the chest — lumps, skin changes, or discomfort shouldn’t be shrugged off. And sure, there’s growing awareness around breast cancer in general, but let’s not forget: men are part of that picture too.
Getting Treated — The Road’s the Same, But Feels Different
Treatment-wise, there’s not much difference between how doctors approach breast cancer in men versus women. Most start with surgery — removing the tumour, sometimes even the whole breast, depending on how far it’s spread. After that, options like radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy might follow, especially if the cancer responds to hormones.
But here’s the tricky part. Emotionally, it can hit men differently. Support groups and networks for women are everywhere, not so much for men. That sense of community, of knowing someone else who’s been through it, is harder to find. Many men report feeling isolated. The physical side of things doesn’t help either — hair loss, scarring, body image changes from surgery — all of it can mess with one’s confidence and sense of identity.
Looking Forward: Creating Space for Men in This Conversation
Thankfully, some things are changing. Slowly but surely, awareness campaigns focused on male breast cancer are popping up. These aim to bring men into the conversation, offering them information, connection, and encouragement to act early. Some groups are even building resources tailored just for men. It’s a start.
Ongoing research is crucial too. The more we understand about the unique ways this disease affects men, from hormonal factors to genetics, the better we can treat it. And hopefully, more effectively.
Ending the Silence
Let’s call it what it is: a serious issue hiding in plain sight. Male breast cancer doesn’t care about your gender. The silence around it? That’s what we need to fight. When men speak out, share their experiences, and stop feeling ashamed — that’s when real change starts. That’s when someone else, somewhere, might feel less alone and seek help sooner.
Breast cancer isn’t a “woman’s disease.” It’s a human one. And it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise.