When we think of breast cancer, most of us imagine it as a women’s health issue. Yet around 1% of breast cancer diagnoses each year are in men – that’s roughly 390–400 men in the UK annually. While the number seems small, the impact is very real. What’s more concerning is that the number of male breast cancer cases has almost doubled between 1990 and 2021.
Both women and men have breast tissue, so breast cancer can develop in either. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options are similar across both sexes – but survival rates for men are lower. Research suggests this is because men are often diagnosed later and may be undertreated. At five years after diagnosis, men have a 19% higher mortality rate compared to women.
Early detection is vital – so let’s look at the first signs to watch out for, and why you shouldn’t delay seeking help.
What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?
The NHS lists several symptoms that men should look out for:
- A lump or swelling in your chest or armpit.
- Liquid leaking from your nipples.
- Changes in the size or shape of either side of your chest.
- Sores or ulcers on your chest.
- An inverted nipple or a rash that may look like eczema.
These changes may not always be cancer, but they should never be ignored. If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP as soon as possible. Early referral to a specialist clinic can make all the difference in diagnosis and treatment.
Why men may be at risk
The causes of male breast cancer aren’t fully understood, but there are some known risk factors:
- Family history: Having close female relatives with breast cancer may mean you’ve inherited a faulty gene.
- Obesity: Extra body fat can affect hormone levels and increase risk.
- Damage or treatment to the testicles: Certain medical histories may play a role.
Being aware of these risks can help you be more alert to symptoms and proactive about your health.
Why early action matters
Breast cancer, like many cancers, is more treatable when diagnosed early. If it has spread to another part of the body, treatment becomes more complex and the chance of survival goes down. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of successful treatment and better outcomes.
Unfortunately, many men dismiss symptoms or delay seeking medical advice, either because they’re embarrassed or simply don’t think breast cancer could affect them. Raising awareness is therefore key to saving lives.
When medical negligence occurs
Sadly, there are times when, having sought medical treatment, patients then experience delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. In these cases, the law allows you to bring a claim for compensation if negligence can be proven.
Compensation may cover:
- Pain and suffering.
- Costs of private treatment and medication.
- Care costs and support.
- Lost earnings due to time off work.
At Davies and Partners, we have a specialist team of lawyers with extensive experience in bringing medical negligence claims – including delayed or missed cancer diagnoses.
How we can help
If you or a loved one have experienced delays or errors in breast cancer diagnosis, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our clinical negligence team is here to listen, advise, and support you in seeking justice and compensation.
Contact us today to speak confidentially with one of our specialists.