Cancerous cells can develop in the small amount of breast tissue that men have behind their nipples. Breast cancer occurs much more commonly in women and only 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
The cause of breast cancer in men is not completely understood, but some men seem to be at higher than average risk of developing the disease.
This rare cancer most commonly occurs in men over the age of 60. It is more common in men who have:
– several close members of their family (male or female) who have had breast cancer, or
– a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts, or
– a relative diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40. Having several members of the family with cancer of the ovary or colon may also increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer.