Male Breast Cancer

Men are also in danger:

What are the key statistics about breast cancer in men?

The most recent American Cancer Society estimates for male breast cancer in the United States are for 2012:

• About 2,190 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men
• About 410 men will die from breast cancer

Male breast cancer?

Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall. Like Breast Cancer in women, Cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of the abnormal cells of this breast tissue.

Breast tissue in both young boys and girls consists of tubular structures known as ducts. At puberty, a girl's ovaries produce female hormones (estrogen) that cause the ducts to grow and milk glands (lobules) to develop at the ends of the ducts. The amount of fat and connective tissue in the breast also increases as girls reach puberty. On the other hand, male hormones (such as testosterone) secreted by the testes suppress the growth of breast tissue and the development of lobules. The male breast, therefore, is made up of predominantly small, undeveloped ducts and a small amount of fat and connective tissue.

Man, 24, has operation for breast cancer

Last updated at 15:30 06 October 2006

Shocked: Nick Avery shows his scar

A man diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 24 today spoke of his shock.

Nicky Avery, believed to be the youngest man to suffer the disease, ignored the lump near his left nipple until his girlfriend encouraged him to see a doctor.

See also:
Breast Cancer Report

Scans and a biopsy in August revealed the lump was cancerous and he has since had part of his nipple and breast removed, leaving a large scar.

Mr Avery, a labourer from Southend, said he had previously thought the disease only affected women. He said: "My doctor said I'm the youngest man in Britain to get it. When they told me I had breast cancer I was shocked. I felt numb. I thought 'blokes aren't supposed to get breast cancer'."

Mr Avery is due to start chemotherapy. He added: "I'm feeling good. I'm a massive Arsenal fan and Thierry Henry sent me a signed photo, wishing me well. I was over the moon. Other men should be aware that breast cancer can happen to them too."

RIP Nick Avery

UK youngest man with breast cancer, Nicky Avery, 28, dies after 4 years' battle

Shocked: Nick Avery shows his scar After a four year battle against the disease Nicky Avery, succumbed to breast cancer on Monday   AN INSPIRATIONAL young man who was diagnosed with cancer three times in four years has lost his courageous fight with the disease. Nicky Avery, 28, died in hospital on Monday, July 19. Former labourer Nicky, who lived in Southchurch, was the youngest man in the country to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and was later told he has liver cancer as well as bone cancer.