Causes Of Breast Cancer In Men

Who is more likely to get breast cancer

Anyone can get breast cancer and it's not always clear what causes it.

In men, you might be more likely to get it if you:

• are over 60
• have other people in your family who've had breast or ovarian cancer - you may have inherited a faulty gene, such as a faulty BRCA gene
• have had radiotherapy to your chest before
• have had a condition that affected or damaged your testicles (such as undescended testicles, or mumps as an adult)
• had surgery to remove one of both of your testicles
• work in a hot environment like a steel works (this can damage your testicles, which can increase your risk of breast cancer)

You may also be more likely to get it if you have higher levels of the hormone oestrogen. This may be more likely if you:

• have long-term damage to your liver, such as cirrhosis
• have obesity or are overweight
• have a condition called Klinefelter syndrome

Many breast cancers are also linked to lifestyle, such as smoking.

If you're trans or non-binary

If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary, how likely you are to get breast cancer depends on if you've had surgery, and if you're taking hormones.

How to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer

You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk

If any of your close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may be eligible for an NHS genetic test.

A genetic test will check to see if you have a faulty gene which increases your risk of getting cancer, such as a faulty BRCA gene.

Speak to a GP about genetic testing if breast or ovarian cancer run in your family.

The GP may ask about:

• who and how many people in your family have had cancer
• the type of cancer they had
• how old they were when they were diagnosed
• if your family member is available for genetic testing or has been tested before

The GP will refer you to a specialist breast clinic or genetics clinic for assessment if they think you are at increased risk.

You can also have NHS genetic testing for faulty BRCA genes if you're 18 years or older and have 1 or more Jewish grandparent.

Find out more

• Predictive genetic tests for cancer risk genes
• Cancer Research UK: family history of breast cancer and inherited genes
• The NHS Jewish BRCA testing programme

Treatments if you're at increased risk

If you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer because you have a faulty gene, there are some treatments that can help reduce your risk.

A doctor or genetic counsellor will discuss your options with you and explain the benefits and possible side effects.

Treatments to reduce your risk include:

• medicines
• surgery to remove your breast tissue (mastectomy) - this may be offered if you are at very high risk

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.