A painless lump near the nipple, bloody discharge or a nipple that suddenly turns inward could signal breast cancer in men. Although the disease remains rare among men, doctors warn that low awareness and delayed medical attention can allow it to progress before diagnosis.
Fewer than one in every 100 breast cancer cases worldwide affects men, according to Dr Karishma Sharma, a medical oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. However, Kenyan hospitals have recorded cases, highlighting the need for greater public awareness.
“Men have a small amount of breast tissue behind the nipple, and cancer can develop in this tissue just as it does in women,” Dr Sharma says.
The most common warning sign is a firm, usually painless lump beneath or near the nipple. Other symptoms include nipple discharge, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, redness, scaling and persistent rashes. Swelling around the armpit or collarbone may also indicate a problem.
Dr Manel Haj Mansour, a consultant medical oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, warns that men should seek medical attention when they notice unusual changes in their breasts.
Not every lump indicates cancer. Gynaecomastia, a non-cancerous enlargement of breast tissue, can occur during puberty, with ageing, excess weight, liver disease or as a side effect of certain medicines.
However, doctors warn that men cannot reliably distinguish a harmless lump from cancer by touch alone. Both conditions can occur together, making medical examination essential.
Age also plays a role, with male breast cancer most commonly diagnosed among men in their 60s and 70s. Other risk factors include family history, inherited gene mutations such as BRCA2, previous chest radiation, obesity and conditions that increase oestrogen levels.
Men should not wait for a lump to grow or become painful before seeking help.
Doctors usually begin diagnosis with a physical examination and medical history. They may recommend a mammogram, ultrasound and, where necessary, a biopsy to determine whether a lump contains cancer cells.
If tests confirm cancer, further investigations help establish its stage and guide treatment. Genetic counselling and testing can also help identify inherited risks for patients and their families.
Dr Sharma says embarrassment and limited awareness often cause men to delay seeking medical care. By the time doctors detect the disease, it may have spread to nearby skin, chest muscles or lymph nodes.
Early diagnosis remains crucial because the stage at detection strongly influences treatment outcomes. Recognising unusual breast changes and seeking prompt medical attention can improve the chances of effective treatment and recovery.