Main symptoms of breast cancer in men
Symptoms of breast cancer in men may include:
- a lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
- liquid leaking from your nipples (nipple discharge), which may have blood in it
- changes in the size or shape of either side of your chest
- sores or ulcers on your chest
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
It's important to check your chest regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your chest or nipples.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have a lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
- you have nipple discharge from either nipple
- you have any changes in your chest or nipples that are not normal for you
Important
Some of these symptoms, including lumps, are common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have breast cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
Symptoms of secondary breast cancer
If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body it's called secondary breast cancer.
The symptoms depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. It can spread anywhere, but it most commonly affects the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
You may also have general symptoms including:
- feeling tired or having no energy
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling unwell with no clear cause
- feeling or being sick
- difficulty sleeping
What happens at your appointment
The GP will ask about your symptoms. They may also ask about any breast screening you've had before, and if anyone in your family has had breast cancer.
If you have a lump or unusual changes, the GP may ask to look at and examine your chest.
You'll need to undress from the waist up, behind a screen. You can have a friend, family member or another member of staff in the room with you during the examination if you want.
Referral to a breast clinic
The GP may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist at a breast clinic if they think you have symptoms that need to be investigated.
This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.