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mike	I've heard of male breast cancer, exactly how common is it? how common is male breast cancer?

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Matthew Gromet JD, MD, F.A.C.R.

Breast cancer can occur in men--but much less frequently than in women. Male breast cancer is most common between the ages of 60 and 70 and makes up just 1% of all cases of breast cancer. Approximately 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. However, gynecomastia is a more common reason for male breast evaluation. Gynecomastia is an abnormal enlargement in one or both breasts in men. The condition is common in infancy and adolescence, as well as in middle-aged to older adult males. In adults, gynecostia is often caused by a side effect of medications; sometimes the findings will subside when the medication is changed. Although we do not do routine screening mammography in men, any lump or swelling in a man should be brought to the doctor's attention. An ultrasound and a mammogram can be done to evaluate the finding.