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Men with breast cancer > Genetics and male breast cancer

Genetics and male breast cancer

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About 10 percent of men diagnosed with breast cancer have a breast cancer-related genetic mutation, most commonly in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Everyone has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. But errors in the gene, called mutations, are linked to hereditary breast cancer.

In the general population, only a small percentage of all diagnosed breast cancers are related to gene mutations.

About 5 to10 percent of all men in the general population with the BRCA2 mutation and up to 5 percent with the BRCA1 mutation will eventually be diagnosed with breast cancer. Rates of risk are significantly higher among women with these mutations.

Genetic counseling is recommended for all men with breast cancer, and is particularly important for those with children, especially daughters. Men who test positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation should encourage their children and siblings to consider genetic counseling and testing.

There are important factors that need to be weighed if you or any of your children test positive for BRCA1, BRCA2 or another gene mutation that has been linked to breast or ovarian cancer.

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Reviewed and updated: October 24, 2016

Reviewed by: William F. Anderson, MD, MPH , Sharon H. Giordano, MD, MPH , Kathryn Ruddy, MD, MPH

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.