October 31, 2025 : In a rare and alarming case, a 42-year-old male chef has been diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer after dismissing what he thought was a harmless lump near his chest. The incident highlights the urgent need for greater awareness that breast cancer can affect men too, not just women.
A shocking diagnosis
The chef, who initially noticed a small lump behind his left nipple, ignored it for several months, assuming it was due to muscle strain from his long hours in the kitchen. Over time, the lump became firm and tender, accompanied by slight discharge and skin dimpling, prompting him to finally seek medical help.
Doctors conducted tests including an ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy, which confirmed the presence of Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma — a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts and spreads into surrounding tissues.
Dr. Ritika Sinha, an oncologist at a leading Mumbai hospital, said, “This case is a reminder that men are not immune to breast cancer. Delayed diagnosis often leads to more aggressive disease progression in male patients.”
Breast cancer in men — a silent threat
Though breast cancer is rare among men, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, it can be equally life-threatening. Because many men do not realize they are at risk, most cases are diagnosed late, often when the cancer has already spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
Experts say men tend to ignore early signs due to lack of awareness, stigma, and embarrassment about having a ‘female-associated’ illness.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), male breast cancer cases have shown a gradual rise in the past decade, especially among men aged 40 to 60 years.
Key symptoms men should never ignore
Doctors emphasize that early detection is crucial for better outcomes. Common symptoms of male breast cancer include:
- A painless lump near or behind the nipple.
- Changes in nipple shape or position.
- Discharge from the nipple (sometimes blood-tinged).
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin over the chest.
- Swelling in the underarm area.
“Even a small lump should not be ignored,” Dr. Sinha warns. “Men need to understand that early detection saves lives.”
Risk factors behind male breast cancer
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer in men, including:
- Genetic mutations (especially BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes).
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Hormonal imbalance (high estrogen levels).
- Liver disease or obesity.
- Radiation exposure to the chest area.
- Ageing, as the risk rises after 40.
In this chef’s case, a family history of cancer was later discovered — his maternal aunt had been treated for breast cancer a decade earlier.
Treatment and recovery journey
After diagnosis, the patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Doctors also initiated hormone therapy, as his tumor was estrogen receptor-positive — meaning it was fueled by the hormone estrogen.
The chef is now recovering well, and doctors remain optimistic about his prognosis, though they stress that his treatment would have been less aggressive had he sought medical attention earlier.
A message from the survivor
Speaking after his third chemotherapy session, the chef shared, “I never imagined men could get breast cancer. I ignored the lump thinking it was nothing serious. If I had gone to the doctor earlier, things would have been easier.”
He has now joined a cancer awareness initiative that aims to educate men about self-examination and early detection.
Awareness and prevention
Medical experts stress that men should perform regular chest self-examinations once a month, just as women do. Any changes — even small ones — should prompt a doctor’s visit.
Routine checkups are especially important for those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Genetic testing may also be recommended for men with multiple relatives affected by such conditions.
“Awareness is the first step toward prevention,” says Dr. Sinha. “If more men recognize the signs early, survival rates can improve significantly.”
Breaking stigma around male breast cancer
While awareness campaigns largely focus on women, experts say that men’s breast health is often overlooked. Many male patients suffer in silence, fearing social judgment.
Dr. Sinha adds, “It’s time to break the stigma. Cancer doesn’t discriminate by gender — and awareness shouldn’t either.”
The bigger picture
Globally, around 1 in 800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Though rare, the disease can be just as aggressive and emotionally taxing as in women. The medical community is now calling for gender-inclusive awareness programs and research into how male breast cancer may differ biologically from female cases.
As for the chef, he hopes his story encourages others to pay attention to their bodies: “If you notice something unusual, don’t wait. Cancer grows faster than fear.”
Summary
A 42-year-old chef was diagnosed with aggressive male breast cancer after ignoring a lump. Doctors urge men to watch for symptoms, perform self-checks, and seek early medical advice.