The study findings indicate that men under 75 who have breast enlargement not caused by obesity face a substantially higher risk of premature death compared to peers without the condition. In the study published in a prominent medical journal, the overall pattern showed a marked increase in mortality for those with gynecomastia who have an identifiable cause beyond hormonal changes. This important nuance was highlighted to help clinicians and patients understand potential health implications tied to this condition.
Gynecomastia refers to the growth of breast tissue in men. It is most often linked to hormonal shifts and can affect a broad segment of the male population, with prevalence estimates ranging from a third to three quarters depending on age. The condition is more frequently observed in older adults as well. A related, distinct condition is pseudogynecomastia, which resembles gynecomastia but arises from excess body fat rather than tissue growth. Pseudogynecomastia was not part of the focus in the latest analysis. In this large-scale assessment, researchers reviewed medical records from more than 23 thousand men diagnosed with gynecomastia between 1995 and 2021. Each participant’s information was compared with a control group of five healthy men matched for age. [Citation: BMJ study]
When causes of gynecomastia were identified, the data showed a substantially higher risk of death compared with healthy controls. Specifically, gynecomastia with a known cause raised the relative risk of death by about 75 percent. In contrast, idiopathic gynecomastia, where no clear cause is found, increased the risk by roughly five percent. An important exception is the presence of liver disease, which doubled the death risk for individuals with gynecomastia. These patterns underscore how comorbid conditions can influence outcomes in men with breast tissue enlargement. [Citation: BMJ study]
Further breakdown revealed that death risk varied with the underlying condition driving gynecomastia. If cancer was contributing to gynecomastia, the death risk rose by about 74 percent. Circulatory system disorders associated with gynecomastia correlated with a 61 percent higher mortality. For gynecomastia linked to lung or genital diseases, the risk nearly doubled. When gastrointestinal diseases were involved, the risk increased by roughly fivefold. These figures illustrate how the health context surrounding gynecomastia dramatically shapes prognosis. [Citation: BMJ study]
Some conditions presented especially alarming associations. Liver diseases were associated with a twelve-fold increase in mortality risk. Disorders of the gallbladder, its ducts, or the pancreas carried a fourteenfold higher risk. Such outcomes highlight the need for thorough medical evaluation when gynecomastia is identified, to detect and manage any serious liver or biliary tract issues. [Citation: BMJ study]
Interestingly, the analysis found one surprising pattern: the presence of a neurological disease was linked to a reduced death risk by about twenty-nine percent compared with the healthy control group. While this finding may seem counterintuitive, it emphasizes that risk profiles in gynecomastia are complex and can be influenced by multiple health factors beyond the breast changes themselves. [Citation: BMJ study]
Experts suggest that the observed associations may reflect higher exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals and the use of steroids among men with gynecomastia. These factors could contribute to the development of associated health problems or indicate broader health risks that warrant careful medical attention. The overall takeaway is clear: any clinician or patient confronting breast enlargement in men should pursue a comprehensive health assessment to identify potential contributing conditions and to create an appropriate care plan. Early evaluation can be critical for managing risks and guiding treatment decisions. [Citation: BMJ study]
In clinical practice across Canada and the United States, these findings reinforce the need for vigilance when gynecomastia appears, especially in younger men or those with other health concerns. A tailored approach that considers liver health, metabolic factors, and cardiovascular risk can help clinicians deliver informed guidance and appropriate follow-up. The emphasis remains on proactive care and timely medical advice rather than assuming the condition is solely cosmetic. [Citation: BMJ study]