When we think of breast cancer, we almost always picture a woman. Yet men have breast tissue too, and they can be affected as well. It is rare, but it is real.
This Pink October, we would like to talk about it simply, without drama. And to look at what comes after too: the scar, the chest, the nipple.
A rare cancer, but a real one
About 1% of breast cancers affect men. That small figure has a downside: because the disease is little known, many men do not think to worry, and see a doctor later.
There is no organised screening programme for men. The best protection is therefore to know the signs, and not to let them linger.
The signs that should prompt a visit
In men, the breast is small and the gland sits just behind the nipple. Changes are often noticed right there:
- a lump, usually painless, under or around the nipple;
- a nipple that pulls in, becomes hollow or changes appearance;
- a discharge, sometimes tinged with blood;
- skin that reddens, thickens or forms a small sore;
- a swollen lymph node under the arm.
In the vast majority of cases, it is not cancer. But it is always a good reason to book an appointment with your doctor, without embarrassment and without waiting.
Who is more at risk?
As with women, the risk increases with age. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer also matters, as do certain genetic predispositions, such as a BRCA2 gene mutation. If this applies to you, your doctor can refer you to a cancer genetics consultation.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will get ill. It is simply useful information to help you stay attentive.
After mastectomy: getting to know your chest again
In men, treatment often involves a mastectomy, which usually removes the nipple and the areola. The chest stays flat, but it is no longer quite the same: a scar, and often one nipple fewer.
For some, it is only a detail. For others, it is a real source of discomfort: at the pool, on the beach, in the changing room, in intimate moments, or simply in front of the mirror. Both feelings are legitimate. There is no right or wrong way to live in your body after cancer.
And what about the nipple?
There are several paths, and nothing forces you to choose quickly. Your surgical team can present the options for nipple reconstruction. If you would rather avoid another operation, or simply want a solution in the meantime, a medical silicone nipple prosthesis is a gentle option, with no surgery.
It is applied with a medical adhesive, comes off whenever you like, and is resistant to water and sweat. A few pointers for adapting it to a male chest:
- size: our ready to wear collection offers 6 diameters, starting at 3 cm, and we can also make one to your measurements;
- projection: you choose between 2, 3 or 4 mm, and a subtle projection is often a good starting point on a flat chest;
- colour: 14 shades, from the lightest to the deepest, to match your skin tone;
- made to measure: if the nipple on the other side is intact, an impression allows us to reproduce it identically, for faithful symmetry.
Daring to talk about it
Many men hesitate to mention what they see as a "women's cancer". Yet care teams know this disease well, and patient associations are open to everyone. Talking to a loved one, to your doctor or to others who have been through it often lightens the load a great deal.
At the lab, we support patients of all genders. The questions are the same, and so is the kindness.
In short
Male breast cancer is rare, but it exists. A lump or a nipple that changes is something to show your doctor. And after mastectomy, taking care of your chest, nipple included, is an entirely legitimate choice. A question? Write to us, that is what we are here for.