Every year on National Cancer Awareness Day (November 7), we are reminded of the importance of early detection and access to quality healthcare for all. India is turning its focus to the growing burden of cancer. Among the different types of cancers, breast cancer usually gains prominence in awareness campaigns, symbolised by the pink ribbon that represents hope and vigilance. And yet there’s a lesser-known truth – breast cancer is not limited to women. Men and transgender individuals are also at risk, but their experiences with cancer are largely hidden from public health discussions, awareness efforts, and research.
Understanding the differences
Breast cancer develops in the ducts and lobules of breast tissue. In women, the disease is more common due to higher hormone levels and denser breast tissue. While men have a comparatively smaller amount of breast tissue, the cancer behaves similarly, both in how it affects them and the way it is treated. The major difference lies in diagnosis and awareness. Where women are routinely screened, diagnosis in men is usually delayed because they either ignore symptoms or lack awareness, or even dismiss them as minor issues.
For transgender individuals, the scenario is complex. Due to prolonged estrogen exposure during hormone therapy, trans women develop breast tissue similar to cisgender women and are likely to face increased risk of cancer over time. On the other hand, trans men who have undergone chest reconstruction or partial mastectomy may still retain some breast tissue, which remains susceptible to cancer.
Risk Factors in men and transgender individuals
In men, breast cancer risk rises with advancing age, obesity, liver disease, radiation exposure, and genetic mutations such as BRCA2. Family history is also a critical factor, yet most men are unaware of its relevance.
For transgender individuals, the risk depends on hormone therapy duration, dosage, and surgical history. Continuous exposure to oestrogen or the retention of breast tissue post-surgery can increase vulnerability. Yet, both groups face significant barriers, stigma, limited medical guidance, and lack of gender-sensitive healthcare systems.
The Data gaps that hide the truth
India currently lacks formal registries for male and transgender breast cancer cases, which means the real magnitude of the problem is unknown. Globally, male breast cancer accounts for one or two per cent of all cases. In India however, underreporting and misdiagnosis blur the picture.
Similarly, there is almost no local data on breast cancer among transgender individuals. Since most research at present comes from Western nations, it leaves Indian policymakers and clinicians without context-specific evidence to plan treatment. This vacuum in data delays training for healthcare professionals, and creating inclusive screening strategies.
Wake-up call: Early detection for all
Early detection continues to be the most powerful tool against breast cancer—regardless of one’s gender. Awareness among men to recognise warning signs such as lumps, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling can help save lives. Those with a family history of cancer or genetic predisposition to the disease should discuss screening options with their doctors. Transgender individuals need personalised assessments based on their hormone therapy and surgical history, along with access to non-judgmental, gender-affirming medical care.
Healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities must together dismantle the gender bias in breast cancer communication. Hospitals can expand screening camps to include all genders, while awareness programmes can normalise discussions around breast health for everyone, not just women.
Need for inclusion and awareness
As we observe National Cancer Awareness Day, it is time to broaden the horizon of the pink ribbon to include rainbow hues. Breast cancer is not a woman’s disease, it is a human disease. Inclusion in awareness, screening, and research is not only equitable but lifesaving.
Creating gender-inclusive policies, educating clinicians on transgender and male breast health, and empowering every individual to recognise the signs early, can shift the conversation from exclusion to empathy and prevention. Early detection should not depend on gender, it should depend on awareness.
- Dr Shraddha Modi
Associate Consultant Breast Oncoplastic Surgery
Narayana Health City
Bangalore
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