Uche Nwokwu, who heads the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has cautioned that men with enlarged breast tissue are more susceptible to developing breast cancer.
Addressing reporters in Abuja, Nwokwu explained that although breast cancer is less common in men, it can still occur because men possess breast tissue as well.
He noted that men undergoing hormone treatments to adopt more feminine features are particularly at risk, as elevated estrogen levels can cause breast tissue growth and increase the chances of cancer.
He said, “Estrogen, the hormone responsible for breast development in women, also exists in the male body. Typically, testosterone keeps it under control.
However, when testosterone levels decline, estrogen can dominate, leading to gynecomastia—enlargement of breast tissue—which may raise the risk of cancer.”
While male breast cancer remains rare, Nwokwu confirmed that cases have been recorded in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of educating the public, particularly men with genetic predispositions or those who have experienced hormonal imbalances due to medical conditions or environmental influences.
He also highlighted that delayed diagnosis is a major issue, as many men are unaware of early signs and often seek help only when the disease has progressed.
To address this, the federal government has now designated cancer as a reportable illness, enabling better data collection and response.
Nwokwu encouraged men to regularly examine their chest area for lumps or unusual changes to catch potential symptoms early and seek prompt medical attention.
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