Many people are surprised to learn that men can get breast cancer. While it’s rare, it does happen. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2026. One of the most common questions I hear is, “Should I be worried about the BRCA gene?” The good news is that understanding your family history and knowing when to consider genetic testing can help you take charge of your health.
Just as importantly, a positive BRCA test does not mean you have cancer. Instead, it gives you and your healthcare team valuable information that can guide future screening and help detect cancer early, when treatment is most successful.
Yes, Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too
Men have a small amount of breast tissue, which means breast cancer can develop. Although fewer than one percent of all breast cancer cases occurs in men, early diagnosis is just as important.
Talk with your doctor if you notice:
- A lump anywhere in the breast or chest
- Thickening near the nipple
- Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody
- A nipple that turns inward
- Redness, scaling or changes in the skin of the breast
- Swelling under the arm
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but they should always be evaluated. The sooner we identify the cause, the sooner we can recommend the right treatment if needed.
What is the BRCA Gene?
Everyone is born with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes normally help repair damaged DNA and protect against cancer.
Sometimes, however, a person inherits a harmful change, called a mutation, in one of these genes. When that happens, the body’s natural ability to repair damaged cells is reduced, increasing the chance that cancer may develop over time.
This is why BRCA testing is considered a risk assessment, not a cancer test.
Why Would a Man Need BRCA Testing?
Most men do not need BRCA testing. However, it can be very important for men with certain personal or family histories.
You should ask your doctor about BRCA genetic testing if you:
- Have been diagnosed with breast cancer
- Have a close family member with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- Have several relatives with breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer
- Have relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age
- Are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which is associated with a higher rate of BRCA mutations
Genetic counseling is often recommended before testing. A genetic counselor can explain what the results may mean for you and your family and help you decide whether testing is appropriate.
Does a Positive BRCA Test Mean You Have Cancer?
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about genetic testing.
A positive BRCA result means you have inherited a gene mutation that increases your risk of developing certain cancers. It does not mean you currently have cancer, and it does not guarantee that you ever will.
Many people with a BRCA mutation never develop cancer. However, knowing you have the mutation allows your healthcare team to recommend earlier or more frequent screening so that any cancer can be found as early as possible.
Think of BRCA testing as a roadmap. It helps us understand where you may face higher risks so we can create a personalized plan to protect your health.
Does BRCA Only Increase Breast Cancer Risk?
No.
Although the BRCA genes are best known for their link to breast cancer, they are associated with several other cancers in men.
Depending on whether the mutation is in BRCA1 or BRCA2, your risk may be higher for:
- Male breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer
BRCA2 mutations generally carry a higher risk for male breast cancer and aggressive prostate cancer than BRCA1 mutations.
This is why genetic testing can be valuable even for men who have never had breast problems. It provides information that can guide screening for several types of cancer throughout life.
What Happens If You Test Positive?
A positive result is not a diagnosis — it is an opportunity to be proactive.
Depending on your age, family history and overall health, your doctor may recommend:
- Regular clinical breast exams
- Learning how to recognize changes in your breast tissue
- Earlier prostate cancer screening, including PSA testing
- Skin examinations for melanoma
- Additional screening for pancreatic cancer if your family history suggests increased risk
Your screening plan will be personalized based on your individual risk factors. Many men with BRCA mutations live long, healthy lives because they stay on top of recommended screenings.
What About Your Family?
BRCA mutations can be passed from parent to child. Each child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the mutation.
If you test positive, your healthcare provider or genetic counselor may recommend that close family members consider genetic counseling and, if appropriate, testing.
Sharing this information can help relatives better understand their own cancer risk and make informed healthcare decisions.
The Bottom Line
Although male breast cancer is uncommon, it is real. Knowing your family history, recognizing changes in your body and talking with your doctor about BRCA testing when appropriate can make a meaningful difference.
Remember, a positive BRCA test does not mean you have cancer. It simply tells us that your risk is higher than average, allowing us to create a personalized screening plan and watch for cancer before it becomes a serious problem.
As physicians, our goal is not only to treat disease, but to help prevent it whenever possible. If you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer, ask your healthcare provider whether BRCA genetic counseling or testing is right for you. Having the right information today can help protect your health for years to come.
