One percent of breast cancers occur in men. Unfortunately, cancer of the
male breast is usually in a more advanced stage when detected.

Q: What can you tell me about male breast cancer? I am in my 60s and just had a cancerous tumor removed from my breast.

John/New York

A: You raise an important issue. Most information about breast cancer is appropriately directed at women — because 99 percent of breast cancers occur in women. But the 1 percent of breast cancers that occur in men are important as well. Unfortunately, cancer of the male breast is usually in a more advanced stage when detected. This is likely due to the lack of routine self-examination and screening in men.

In men, breast cancer is rare before age 60. Men with a family history of breast cancer are at greater risk of the disease. Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women and may include:

• A lump in the tissue beneath the nipple area
• Discharge from the nipple

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of detection but may include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor (mastectomy)
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen

Treatment seems to be as effective in men as in women. Survival rates in men are similar to those in women for breast cancer of the same stage. However, breast cancer in men is more likely to be hormone sensitive. For this reason, hormone therapy is often used as part of treatment.

Because male breast cancer is rare, routine mammograms aren't recommended for men. But if you find a lump in your breast, tell your doctor about it promptly.