Men Get Breast Cancer Too
Breaking the Silence Around Male Breast Cancer and Reclaiming Confidence After Surgery
When people hear the words “breast cancer”, most automatically think about women. But breast cancer does not discriminate by gender. Every year, hundreds of men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer, yet many suffer in silence due to stigma, embarrassment, or simply not realising it can happen to them at all.
At The Nipple Innovation Project (NiP), we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, high quality post cancer care. That includes men.
Thanks to a generous donation of £5000 to our charity by Hale Gardens Tennis Club, in New Milton, Hampshire, we are now able to support men affected by breast cancer through our UK-wide directory of specialist areola artists, offering free realistic 3D nipple tattoos, to those who want them, to help restore confidence after surgery.
For many men, this is not just about a tattoo. It is about identity, healing, dignity, and feeling comfortable in their own body again.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
Yes. Although male breast cancer is rare, it is very real.
Around 400 to 420 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.
Because awareness is low, men are often diagnosed later than women, which can lead to more invasive treatment and greater emotional impact. Research also suggests many men delay seeking help because they feel ashamed, confused, or worry they will not be taken seriously.
That silence is something we need to change.
The Emotional Impact of Male Breast Cancer
One of the hardest parts for many men is the feeling of isolation.
There is very little conversation around male breast cancer compared to female breast cancer. Many men tell us they feel invisible during treatment and recovery. They are often handed leaflets designed for women, surrounded by pink branding, and left feeling like they do not fit into the conversation.
After surgery, some men are left with significant scarring, asymmetry, or loss of the nipple entirely following mastectomy procedures.
For some, this deeply affects confidence, intimacy, mental wellbeing, body image, and even willingness to remove their shirt in public.
These feelings are valid.
We often talk about surviving cancer physically, but emotional recovery matters too.
Hear Dave and Amrik’s stories here who we have supported through our medical tattoo services.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2dvjp5y07o
https://youtu.be/xCrrPD7pc74?si=CUoou67DWC8ZA5Kw
What Is a 3D Nipple Tattoo?
A 3D nipple tattoo is a highly specialised form of medical tattooing designed to create the realistic illusion of a natural nipple and areola using advanced shading, colour theory, and artistic techniques.
Unlike basic tattooing, realistic areola restoration requires specialist training and experience, particularly on scar tissue.
The aim is not to “cover up” what someone has been through.
It is to help them reconnect with themselves again.
For men who have undergone breast cancer surgery, a realistic nipple tattoo can help restore balance and confidence in a subtle but powerful way.
It is important to note that some men feel completely at ease with a flat chest or reconstructed chest without a nipple. Everyone’s journey is unique and getting a medical tattoo, or not - it’s all down to personal choice.
Supporting Men Through The Nipple Innovation Project
NiP (The Nipple Innovation Project) is the UK’s first dedicated mastectomy tattoo charity.
For the past 8 years, we have supported people across the UK with access to free realistic 3D nipple tattoos following cancer, BRCA surgery, and other life changing procedures.
While much of the public conversation around breast cancer focuses on women, we are proud to also support men who need our services.
Thanks to a recent generous donation, we are now able to specifically fund free 3D nipple tattoos for men through our trusted directory of experienced medical tattoo artists across the UK. To be eligible for a treatment via this funding:
Our artists are carefully vetted for both artistic quality and experience working with scar tissue and post surgical clients. We understand how vulnerable it can feel to reach out for support after cancer. That is why we aim to make the process as welcoming, respectful, and judgement free as possible.
Signs of Breast Cancer in Men
Awareness saves lives.
Symptoms of male breast cancer can include:
A lump or swelling in the chest or breast tissue
Nipple inversion or changes in appearance
Discharge from the nipple
Skin dimpling or puckering
Redness or scaling around the nipple
Pain or tenderness in the chest area
If something feels unusual, it is always important to speak to a healthcare professional.
Men’s Health Week: Why These Conversations Matter
Men’s Health Week is about more than physical health. It is about breaking down stigma and encouraging honest conversations around subjects men are often taught to hide.
Breast cancer in men is one of those conversations.
The reality is, cancer recovery does not end after surgery. Emotional healing, body confidence, and feeling like yourself again all matter too.
No man should feel embarrassed to ask for support after breast cancer.
And no man should feel alone in it.
Looking for Support After Male Breast Cancer?
If you or somebody you know has experienced breast cancer surgery and would benefit from realistic nipple tattoo restoration, we are here to help. You can learn more about our charity, support services, and artist directory at: www.nipcharity.org
Other support and resources available:
The Men’s VMU: For men diagnosed with breast cancer to feel seen and heard, and to know that they are not alone. Men's VMU
The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance brings men with breast cancer together with researchers, clinicians and oncologists around the world for the purpose of advancing research, clinical trials and treatments for men diagnosed with breast cancer. Home - The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance
