In the year 2000, the American Cancer Society estimates that 1,400 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men and approximately 400 men will die from breast cancer. Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin Nipple discharge Both men and women have breast tissue. When a boy reaches puberty, his testicles produce hormones that prevent further breast tissue growth. Because men usually have much less breast tissue than women, breast lumps and other abnormalities are often easier to find on men than on women. However, because breast cancer is far less common in men and many men believe that only women get breast cancer, men often ignore the early signs of breast cancer, attributing the symptoms to infection or another cause.
Some men are embarrassed to find a breast lump and delay making an appointment with their physician.
Since men usually have less breast tissue than women, male breast cancer does not need to grow far to intrude into the skin and the muscles underneath the breast. Men who experience signs of breast cancer should see a physician. Gynecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast tissue. Gynecomastia is most common in teenage boys and is related to changes in the hormone balance during adolescence. Older men may also develop gynecomastia due to changes in their hormone balances.