Although it’s rare, men can develop breast cancer. Diagnosis is more common after age 50, though younger men and those in their 70s can develop it too.

The age range for male breast cancer isn’t as well researched or studied compared with female breast cancer. But what we do know is that age tends to increase the risk of male breast cancer.

Only 1% of men get breast cancer, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC also notes that most male breast cancers are found in those older than 50 years. However, the age range varies depending on the research:

  • A 2019 study examining National Cancer Database data from 2004 to 2014 found the median age at diagnosis is 64 years old.
  • A 2023 letter to the editor cites research suggesting the average age of male breast cancer diagnosis is 67 years old.
  • Other resources state that the average age of diagnosis is 71 years old.

No matter the age when male breast cancer develops, several other risk factors play a part in its development. These include family history, genetics, and exposure to cancer-causing elements.

Recognizing symptoms and risk factors for male breast cancer

Learn more about the symptoms of male breast cancer, especially if you have a higher risk of this type of cancer.

Yes, men who are younger than 50 years old can develop male breast cancer — even though it’s much less common than in men at older ages.

Some limited research suggests that men who are 40 years and younger can develop this type of cancer.

No matter the age at diagnosis, how male breast cancer develops in the body is often the same as it is for female breast cancer.

Since male breast cancer is often diagnosed at later ages, that means it’s more often found in the later stages of cancer. That affects a person’s outlook compared with cancer found in earlier stages.

With this delayed diagnosis, the overall 5-year survival rate ranges from 40% to 65%. The later the cancer stage at diagnosis affects 5-year survival rate:

  • 75% to 100% for stage 1
  • 50% to 80% for stage 2
  • 30% to 60% for stage 3
  • 20% to 30% for stage 4

However, even with delayed diagnosis, how long people can live with male breast cancer isn’t much different when compared with those who have female breast cancer.

What are the stages of breast cancer?

Learn more about the stages of cancer and what that may mean for you, whether that’s male or female breast cancer.

Men developing breast cancer is not as common as it is for women. Only 1% of men develop this type of cancer.

Research suggests that risk increases with age, with most male breast cancers getting diagnosed at 50 years and older. However, younger men can also develop this cancer.

Your healthcare team can best discuss the risk factors for male breast cancer and how your age may factor into that.