Men Have Breasts, Too

Does Pink Keep You Away from the Doctor?

By Jenn Board
Certified Menopause & Wellness Practitioner  |  October 20th 2026

This resource provides education and support. It does not provide a diagnosis or individual medical advice. A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate new breast or nipple changes.

Hey you, it’s me.

Guess what? It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you’re probably wondering why I’m writing about men.

Because men have breasts, too, and some have never been told they can get breast cancer. A client’s experience opened my eyes to how easily men can feel left out of this conversation. So, guys, this one’s for you.

This past year, a client came to me looking for emotional support while his healthcare team evaluated a change in his breast.

He had noticed something in his left breast. A small change. Something he never knew was worth a second thought.

He was uncomfortable. He was not sure how to process it, or even whom to ask. He reached out to me as a wellness companion, someone who could help him work through the feelings while his medical team handled the evaluation.

I told him what I will tell you now.

It takes more strength to get uncomfortable than to sit still and do nothing.

I only share a client’s story with their consent, even when I keep it anonymous. When I asked him, he did not hesitate.

“If my story can help one other dude, I’m in.”

His story led me here. While I was researching, I mentioned it to my spouse. He had no idea either. Men get breast cancer? He had never considered it.

That is when it clicked. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbons are pink. The walks are pink. So much of the conversation speaks directly to women. I wondered how many men see all that pink and never realize the conversation includes them.

Men have breasts, too.

So let us talk about it: what to look for, where to go, and how this resource can help.

Can men get breast cancer?

Every man has breast tissue, so yes. It is a small amount and lies right behind the nipple and areola. That tissue can develop cancer the same way it can in a woman.

It is rare. It is also real. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. Because so few men expect it, the cancer is often found later, when it is harder to treat. Awareness is the first line of defense.

What if I find a lump?

Breathe first. Most breast lumps in men are benign. Gynecomastia is an enlargement of breast gland tissue that is usually benign. It can be linked to hormone changes, certain medications, or other health conditions. A clinician can evaluate the change and possible causes.

This chart provides general information to help ease panic and explain possible differences. Symptoms can overlap, and the chart cannot diagnose a lump or rule out cancer.

Have it checked even if it matches the gynecomastia column.

Have a clinician evaluate any new lump. You do not need to wait for pain or other symptoms before making the appointment.

Then what?

Start with your primary care doctor. They can examine the change and arrange for breast imaging or a referral to a breast specialist. If you do not have a regular doctor, contact a community health clinic or urgent care service to schedule an examination and follow-up.

Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, or a biopsy, depending on the findings. A biopsy examines a tissue sample for cancer. That referral can add another layer of discomfort.

Your referral may send you to a breast center or a facility known as a women’s imaging center. The walls may be pink, and the magazines may be for women. You may be the only man in the room, which can feel awkward.

You belong there. The staff and equipment are there to evaluate breast concerns, including yours. Tell the team if you feel anxious or would like them to explain what happens next.

Uncomfortable, but worth it.

Changes worth getting checked

• A new lump or thickening in the breast
• Nipple discharge, especially clear or bloody fluid
• A nipple that newly turns inward
• Skin dimpling, redness, scaling, or an open sore
• A lump or swelling under the arm or near the collarbone

What to say when you call

At your appointment, ask:

• What happens next?
• When should I receive results?
• Who should I contact if the change continues or gets worse?

Bring a list of your medications and supplements, and note when you first noticed the change.

Walk through the door

Pink invites all of us to pay attention to breast health. If you have noticed a change, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Your future self will thank you for taking that uncomfortable first step.

You do not have to carry this alone. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure, reach out to a loved one, trusted friend, church community, or life coach for emotional support as you seek medical care.

Don’t quit in the quiet.
With love, Jenn