UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Men have breast tissue, too, which means men can develop breast cancer just like women can. 

The risk is small. Men have much less breast tissue under the nipple area of their chests than women do. Men also produce significantly less of the hormone estrogen, which stimulates the growth of some breast cancers. 

Only about 1 in 800 men develop breast cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. In comparison, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives.

However, every man should be aware of the possibility of developing breast cancer. This is especially important for men who are at greater risk due to a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. 

UChicago Medicine breast cancer experts recommend that men pay attention to any changes in their breasts. If they feel a lump under a chest nipple or skin changes around their breast, then they should see their doctor. Men often present with more advanced breast cancer than women do. This may be because they delay seeking evaluation for breast changes. 

Call 1-855-702-8222

Our breast cancer experts also encourage men to educate themselves about breast cancer. To get started, see the frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer in Men

Male Breast Cancer Treatment

At UChicago Medicine, breast cancer patients benefit from a team of specialists — including a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, and radiation oncologist — who work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient based on the type of breast cancer he has, the stage of his cancer, and any treatment preferences or concerns he has. Our team extends to include experts in endocrinology and men’s health who may assist with endocrine management and solutions to reduce side effects associated with treatment.

Treatment for men with breast cancer is similar to treatment for women with the disease and may involve some combination of surgery, radiation, and/or drug therapy:

Research and Supportive Care for Male Breast Cancer

Why should a man with breast cancer come to UChicago Medicine for care?

The National Cancer Institute recognizes UChicago Medicine as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, a prestigious designation bestowed upon the nation’s top cancer centers in recognition of their innovative research and leading-edge treatments.

The breast cancer team at UChicago Medicine is highly experienced at diagnosing and treating breast cancer in men as well as women. We are a major academic health system serving patients with both rare and common diseases from across the country and around the world. As a result, our team has treated a lot of men, as well as women, with breast cancer, and are familiar with the unique concerns that men have about the disease. UChicago Medicine also offers full health services for men so they can obtain other care, as needed.   

In addition, because many of our physicians are also scientists and researchers, they are on top of the latest treatment advances, which helps ensure our patients benefit from innovations in breast cancer care as soon as they are available. 

We take a multidisciplinary approach to care, which means that all our specialists — pathologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and others — gather together to discuss each patient’s case and explore the best treatment approaches. 

We also place a high priority on understanding each patient’s perspective and concerns. This helps us to develop personalized treatment plans that reflect each patient’s preferences and goals. 

This patient-centered team approach to care is critical to us attaining better outcomes for our patients.

Male breast cancer patient tackles the rare disease

Milbert Kennedy was 66 when he was diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer in November 2018. Although rare, 1 man in 1,000 is diagnosed with breast cancer each year. At UChicago Medicine, Kennedy's cancer specialist worked with him to develop a treatment plan.
Milbert Kennedy found out he had locally advanced breast cancer in November 2018 and sought treatment at the UChicago Medicine.

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for breast cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.
medical oncologist Olwen Hahn, MD

Cancer Care Second Opinions

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Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer

We're actively conducting phase I, II and III clinical trials for breast cancer.