When most people think of breast cancer, they imagine women. Yet, across Africa, an increasing number of men are being diagnosed with the same disease, often when it’s already advanced.
In Kenya, many men delay seeking care, assuming a breast lump is “nothing serious” or even “unmanly” to talk about. But doctors warn that ignoring early signs could cost lives and families.
The Hidden Truth
Globally, breast cancer in men accounts for about 1% of all cases. In Africa, however, studies show the numbers can be as high as 8–15% in some regions like Nigeria and Zambia.
According to the South African National Cancer Registry (2022), male breast cancer represents 0.49% of all male cancers. The average age of diagnosis is around 55 years, several years older than for women, meaning most men are family heads, providers, and role models when the illness strikes.
Why Men Get It Too
Breast cancer in men happens when abnormal cells in the small amount of breast tissue behind the nipple start multiplying. Risk factors include:
Age: The risk rises with age, especially after 50.
Genetics: Mutations in genes like BRCA2 significantly increase risk. These can be passed down to children, sons and daughters alike.
Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions such as liver disease or obesity can raise estrogen levels.
Radiation Exposure: Previous chest treatments increase risk.
Family History: Having a close relative (male or female) with breast cancer raises the odds.
What to Look Out For
Most African men diagnosed with breast cancer say they first noticed a small, painless lump and ignored it. Symptoms to watch include:
A lump or swelling near the nipple or underarm.
Skin dimpling or a change in texture around the chest.
Discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
Nipple turning inward or a persistent sore.
Don’t assume it’s a muscle injury or infection, get it checked immediately. Early diagnosis makes treatment simpler and outcomes better.
The African Challenge
A 2024 review in World Journal of Surgical Oncology found that up to 75% of African men with breast cancer present when the disease is already advanced (stages T3–T4).
The delay comes from stigma, lack of awareness, and limited screening options. Many men only go to hospital when the cancer has spread, making treatment harder and survival chances lower.
Doctors say changing this trend begins with normalising the conversation: breast cancer isn’t just a women’s issue — it’s a family issue.
Why It Matters for Fathers
For men who are fathers or hope to be, awareness isn’t just self-care, it’s legacy care.
Your children inherit your genes. Knowing your family history helps protect them too.
Your health affects your home. A dad’s diagnosis affects emotional and financial stability.
Your voice has power. Talking about male breast cancer helps fight stigma in your community.
When fathers model openness about health, they teach their children that strength includes vulnerability and that seeking help is not weakness.
What Men Can Do
✅ Check yourself. Once a month, feel your chest area for lumps or changes.
✅ Ask about your family history. If there’s breast cancer in your family, you might need screening.
✅ Live healthy. Limit alcohol, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
✅ Speak up. If you notice a lump, talk to a doctor — not your friends at the barbershop.
The Bottom Line
Breast cancer in men is rare but real and it affects African families more than most realise. The earlier it’s caught, the higher the chance of survival.
So the next time you hear about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember:
Real men check their chests too.
