Breast Cancer & Men

Breast cancer in men is rare and currently one man a day is diagnosed in the UK with the disease

Many people are unaware that men can develop breast cancer because they don't consider men to have breasts. In fact, both women and men have breast tissue and the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are similar, but the risk and causes do vary slightly. Age is a factor and older men are particularly at risk.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be difficult to comprehend and come to terms with, especially as it is often perceived as a women's disease and that much of the information and support available is aimed at women. It can be an incredibly confusing and isolating time as you may feel self conscious about discussing your diagnosis with others and it may be that you don't know anyone else who has gone through a similar experience.

There is, however, a wealth of useful information and support online, and there are men who are brave enough to share their story with you.

Richard Chilvers was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year and now spends much of his time raising awareness amongst men of the need to be breast or chest aware. Read Richard's breast cancer story here.

Be chest aware!

Most men don't realise that they need to be 'chest aware' but it is important to check yourself regularly. And should you notice anything unusual or are worried, make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible.

Our research is helping men, too...

Male and female breast cancers behave in the same way and the treatment is practically the same. Our objective, to find specific breast cancer cells to target for immune therapy, could be of benefit to men as well as women.

Can you help?

If you would like to get involved and raise money for our research, please see our Getting Involved page.

You can read about how our Honorary President Julie Cowell relied on her son Simon, Patron, following her breast cancer diagnosis, and how men are affected by breast cancer in our spring 2011 newsletter.