Second Cancers After Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer survivors can be affected by a number of health problems, but often a major concern is facing cancer again. Cancer that comes back after treatment is called a recurrence. But some cancer survivors develop a new, unrelated cancer later. This is called a second cancer.

Men who have had breast cancer can get any type of second cancer, but they have a higher increased risk for certain types of cancer, including:

• A second breast cancer (this is different than the first cancer coming back)
• Small intestine cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Pancreas cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Basal and squamous cell skin cancer
• Myeloid leukemia

For some second cancers, shared genetic risk factors may play a role. For example, men with mutations in the BRCA2 gene have an increased risk of prostate and pancreas cancer as well as breast cancer. All men with breast cancer meet guidelines for genetic testing and should discuss this with their doctor or see a genetic counselor.

Follow-up care for men after breast cancer treatment

After completing treatment for breast cancer, you should still see your doctor regularly to look for signs the cancer has come back or spread. Experts do not recommend any specific tests to look for second cancers in patients without symptoms. Let your doctor know about any new symptoms or problems, because they could be caused by the cancer coming back or by a new disease or second cancer.

Survivors of breast cancer should follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer and stay away from tobacco products. Smoking increases the risk of many cancers.

To help maintain good health, survivors should also:

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight
• Keep physically active and limit the time you spend sitting or lying down
• Follow a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limits or avoids red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods
• It's best not to drink alcohol. If you do drink, men should have no more than 2 drinks per day

These steps may also lower the risk of some cancers.

See Second Cancers in Adults for more information about causes of second cancers.