What causes breast cancer in men?

It is not possible to say exactly what causes breast cancer in men. However, research has shown that there are some things that increase a man’s chance of developing breast cancer. These are called ‘risk factors’. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop breast cancer, but it might increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Some men with one or more risk factors might never develop breast cancer.

The most common risk factors are:

• getting older
• having a strong family history of female or male breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

Less common factors that may increase risk include:

• high oestrogen levels
• Klinefelter’s syndrome.

Some studies suggest there is a link between the risk of male breast cancer and the following:

• some testicular disorders
• radiation exposure.

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