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’.
But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer. And having one or more risk factors for breast cancer does not mean that someone will develop this cancer. In fact, many people with breast cancer have no obvious risk factors.
The most common risk factors are:
- getting older - breast cancer in men is more common in those aged 50 years and older
- having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family.
However, most men who develop breast cancer do not have a strong family history.
Other less common factors that may increase risk include:
- high oestrogen levels
- Klinefelter’s syndrome
- some disorders in the testicles
- Exposure to radiation.
If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for breast cancer, yarn with your doctor, nurse, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.