A note on terms:
Breast cancer can affect anybody, and everybody is welcome in CoppaFeel!’s community. We’re actively inclusive in our language and we ask people how they want to be described.
The word ‘chest’ is inclusive of all bodies and genders. When we need to be clinically accurate we use the word ‘breast’. You might prefer to call your chest something else, and that’s ok!
When we say breasts, we mean the part of your body from your rib cage up to your collarbone and armpits, including your nipples. This is where everyone has breast tissue, and people of all genders can get breast cancer. We often use the words ‘breasts’ and ‘chest’ in our breast cancer information.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
Everyone has breast tissue – young, old, guys, gals and non-binary pals! Some of you might be surprised to know that nearly 400 men a year get breast cancer in the UK. Breast cancer in men is not common, but it can happen. If you are a man you should still be checking your chest. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, but it does sometimes happen in young men too.
The signs of breast cancer in men are very similar to the signs in women. The most common sign is a lump in the chest area, which is usually painless. Other signs include:
- Swelling in the chest or under the arm.
- A pulled-in (inverted) nipple.
- Liquid (discharge) that comes from the nipple. It might have blood in it.
- Sores (ulcers) on the chest.
If you are male and you notice unusual changes to your chest, it is important that you contact your GP as soon as possible, to get it checked out.
Ollie’s story
“I wasn’t aware that breast cancer could affect all genders”
Ollie was 21 when, by chance, he found a lump.
Read Ollie's story
Gynaecomastia
Men can get swelling in their chest area that is not cancer (benign). This is called gynaecomastia. Gynaecomastia is common, especially in teenage boys. 2 out of 3 teenage boys get gynaecomastia, but in 9 out of 10 cases it will get better by itself. You can read our information about gynaecomastia.
Family History
Just like women, men with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of getting breast cancer themselves. Some people have a change in their genes that runs in their family (genetic) and increases their risk of breast cancer. This change is in the BRCA gene. About 10 in 100 cases of breast cancer in men is caused by a change in the BRCA gene. If you are a man who has a changed BRCA gene, your risk of getting breast cancer is still low. If you are worried you have the gene change, talk to your GP. We have more information about the BRCA gene.
Visit the Self-Checkout
We updated this information in April 2024. We will look at it again in April 2027.