Male breast cancer is a rare cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue of men. It happens most often in older men, though it can occur at any age.

Male patients account for 1% of Canadian breast cancer cases and it affects 1 in 934 men (compared to 1 in 8 women). 

For Angus, his diagnosis was a slow roll spanning almost three months from initial suspicions to final diagnosis. It started with the discovery of a lump in both of his breasts. His doctor gave him a referral to the local breast clinic for screening.

“After my scheduled mammogram, the radiologist came and said they wanted to do an ultrasound as well. When the nurse called the next day to make the third appointment for my biopsies, my breast cancer suspicions felt confirmed.

Seven days later when I was shown the biopsy results, things started to move very quickly. Both biopsies were Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Estrogen positive, Progesterone positive and HER2 negative. The concern was – has the cancer spread?”

Despite the quick work, when Angus met with the surgeon the next morning, he still didn’t have a definitive answer to his question about the cancer spreading. While the preliminary bone scan showed nothing (good news) the CT scan displayed a large mass in his right lung. Another biopsy and a PET scan confirmed that it was a new primary lung cancer, in some lymph nodes as well, staging at IIIC. Angus received aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, followed by a double mastectomy and immunotherapy. 

It is important for men to know what is normal for their breasts and to report any changes to their doctor. The most common sign of breast cancer in men is a painless lump, usually near or under the nipple. 

Other symptoms can include:

• discharge or bleeding from the nipple
• crusting of the nipple
• a nipple that suddenly points inward, or becomes inverted
• pain or swelling of the breast
• a lump in the armpit (called the axilla)
• an open sore, or ulcer, on the skin of the breast that doesn’t heal

Patients, like Angus, struggle to find male representation in breast cancer through their journey. Breast Cancer Canada encourages other men who have received a breast cancer diagnosis to step forward to share their story. Send us a direct message or email: social@breastcancerprogress.ca 

Thank you, Angus, for sharing your story and for your continued advocacy.