Men get breast cancer too! Before his diagnosis, Kieran thought it only affected women
By Cancer Council NSW While it may come as a surprise to you, men and women both have breast tissue and around 1% of breast cancers diagnosed are in men.
In 2024, an estimated 221 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, and most (93%) of these men were over the age of 50. Unfortunately, in many cases, by the time men are diagnosed, the disease has progressed too far.
So, while breast cancer is relatively uncommon in men, it’s really important that any man who finds a change in their breasts does not let embarrassment or uncertainty prevent them from seeing their GP.
Kieran’s breast cancer shock
Back in March 2024, while sitting on the back deck of his house, Kieran’s wife noticed a small dimple on his right chest.
“Like many men, I brushed off her concerns and didn’t think much of it. A couple of weeks later, my wife brought it up again. This time, I agreed to let my GP take a look,” Kieran remembers.
Shortly after, Kieran received the call that changed his life forever. He was told that he had grade 5 adenocarcinoma – a type of breast cancer – and that the cancer had spread to his bones, ribs and spine.
“I felt numb. I could not believe I had breast cancer. My doctor, who I’ve trusted for over 30 years, told me that I was the first male patient he had ever diagnosed with breast cancer,” Kieran says.
For Kieran, due to its late diagnosis, the cancer had progressed too far for it to be cured.
“At first, I felt angry – not at my doctor – but because there is no awareness out there to acknowledge that men, as well as women can get breast cancer.”
“Fellas, please, check your man boobs”
Kieran is sharing his story because although it’s too late for him, he wants to raise awareness for those other men diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Alongside Kieran, none of his family were aware that men could get breast cancer. He remembers telling his nearest and dearest about his diagnosis and recalls people laughing at first as they thought he was joking.
“Breast cancer does not discriminate! Men have breast tissue just like women, and can, and do, get breast cancer! And it’s time this was known and acknowledged. Fellas, please, check your man boobs, and if you notice any new or unusual changes, get yourself checked as soon as possible,” Kieran pleads.
He hopes that hearing his story creates the much-needed awareness of breast cancer in men and inspires others to pay attention to their bodies.
“If I had of known this maybe then, I wouldn’t be facing this uncertain future or the heartache it has brought to my family,” Kieran reflects.
Male breast cancer symptoms and treatment
Breast cancer in men can be treated successfully in the same way that it is treated in women. And, finding and treating breast cancer early before it has spread to other parts of the body is the best way to survive the disease.
The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a painless lump in the breast, often behind the nipple.
Other signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men include:
- discharge from the nipple
- change in the shape or appearance of the nipple or chest muscle
- change in the shape or appearance of the breast, such as swelling or dimpling
- unusual pain that doesn’t go away
- swollen lymph nodes (glands) under the arm
Although not all changes in the breast are due to cancer, it’s important that you see your GP if you notice new or unusual breast changes.
As Kieran puts it: “Seek help if needed, and speak up to create awareness, so our brothers, fathers, sons, uncles, grandfathers and mates, don’t have to go through what I am going through.”
He adds, “I often think of this journey like a rock dropped in the middle of a large pool of water. The largest ripple is you, the person diagnosed. The next ripples are your family and friends. The smallest ripples are people you hardly know. The diagnosis affects everyone in different ways, but my advice is this: Be strong. Be kind. Be understanding”.
To read personal stories from people affected by cancer, visit Cancer Council NSW’s blog.
To learn more or download free information booklets, visit our breast cancer page.
If you or someone you know is affected by cancer, call Cancer Council’s support line on 13 11 20.