Written by: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D / Nancy Chu, PhD
Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Male Hormone Use and Cancer Link
Understanding Male Breast Cancer: Beyond the X Chromosome
Male breast cancer often involves hormone-sensitive pathways similar to female breast cancer. About 80–95% of MBC tumors express androgen receptors (AR), while most also have estrogen receptors (ERα)—opening the door to hormonal carcinogenesis². Genetic risk factors play a role: BRCA2 mutations appear in approximately 12% of MBC cases, compared to 5% in women, while BRCA1 mutations are rare (~1%)¹. Other conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, liver cirrhosis, and testicular dysfunction increase MBC risk by disrupting normal hormonal balance—especially when estrogen levels become disproportionately high¹.
“Juicing” refers to the non-medical use of high-dose AAS, testosterone, and other hormones to build muscle. Often ingested at 10–100× therapeutic doses, taken cyclically or stacked with multiple compounds, these protocols radically alter the body’s hormone milieu³.
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AAS and Male Breast Cancer
Aromatization—where testosterone converts into estrogen—rises directly with high-dose AAS use. Drugs like nandrolone and stanozolol have been shown in vitro to stimulate estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cell lines, increasing ER–dependent mitogenic signals and cyclin D-mediated proliferation⁴. While large-scale observational data are limited, associations between anabolic steroid use, gynecomastia (male breast growth), and potential breast tumorigenesis are well documented⁵. The off-label use of breast cancer medications like tamoxifen and Arimidex by bodybuilders to mitigate these effects further illustrates the perceived risk⁶. -
Juicing and Broader Cancer Risk
Some cohort studies—such as one involving over 1,000 Danish fitness-center users followed for over a decade—found no statistically significant increase in overall cancer incidence (IRR 1.05; 95% CI: 0.55–1.81), and no breast or prostate cancer cases among steroid users. However, the same study reported a markedly higher post-diagnosis mortality rate in the androgen-using group (HR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.35–7.00)⁷.Beyond breast and prostate, high testosterone has been linked to increased melanoma risk in men, with a large UK Biobank study suggesting a direct biological association⁸. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies AAS as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A)⁹.
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Mechanisms: Hormones, Receptors, and DNA Damage
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Estrogen receptor activation: Elevated estrogen during AAS use can stimulate ERα pathways, increasing cell cycle proliferation (e.g., cyclin D1 overexpression) and reducing apoptosis⁴.
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Androgen receptor overdrive: AR is frequently overexpressed in MBC and other cancers. Excessive androgen binding may alter transcription networks that support tumor growth and evasion².
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IGF‑1/growth hormone axis: Often elevated by exogenous hormones, this pathway promotes mitosis and cell survival—and high IGF‑1 levels are implicated in colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers⁴.
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Immune suppression: Supra-physiological steroids and corticosteroids suppress immune function, potentially hampering tumor surveillance and enabling early cancer progression¹⁰.
 "Hormones, Hubris, and Hidden Risks: The Oncologic Cost of Anabolic Steroid Abuse" An Endocrinologist’s Perspective on Male Breast Cancer and Hormonal Carcinogenesis By: Dr. Angela Mazza  As an endocrinologist, I have seen the untoward effects of these drugs. AAS disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to a cascade of hormonal imbalances that do not always resolve after these drugs are stopped. Exogenous testosterone and its derivatives undergo aromatization to estradiol, resulting in elevated estrogen levels in men. This hyperestrogenic state, compounded by suppressed endogenous testosterone and reduced gonadotropin secretion, creates a milieu that mimics estrogen dominance—a recognized risk factor for the development of gynecomastia and potentially malignant transformation in breast tissue. Case reports and epidemiological data, although limited due to the rarity of MBC, have documented instances of breast carcinoma in men with a history of prolonged AAS use, particularly in those who developed gynecomastia years prior to diagnosis.  Despite these concerns, definitive large-scale prospective studies linking AAS use directly to cancer incidence remain scarce. However, the biological plausibility, supported by mechanistic studies and clinical observations, warrants caution. Given the rising prevalence of AAS use in non-athletic populations and bodybuilders, often in unregulated or illicit contexts, awareness and screening for hormone-related cancers in users should be prioritized. While causality cannot yet be established with high certainty, the evidence supports a credible link between chronic anabolic steroid use and increased cancer risk, particularly in hormone-sensitive tissues such as the male breast. Medical professionals should maintain vigilance and counsel patients on the potential oncogenic consequences of AAS abuse.  Dr. Mazza is a triple board-certified endocrinologist, integrative medicine specialist, and founder of Metabolic Center for Wellness in Oviedo, Florida. With a career dedicated to hormone optimization, thyroid health, and functional longevity, Dr. Mazza blends conventional endocrine care with personalized, root-cause medicine. She is nationally recognized for her leadership in advancing patient-centered approaches to hormonal disorders, and she frequently speaks on the links between endocrine disruption and chronic disease—including cancer. Dr. Mazza is a vocal advocate for early detection, particularly in overlooked populations such as men at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers like male breast cancer. Her work empowers both patients and practitioners to understand the broader impact of environmental and pharmaceutical hormone exposures on long-term health. She continues to collaborate with clinical researchers and advocacy organizations to elevate awareness, improve screening protocols, and promote integrative strategies for cancer prevention and endocrine resilience. * Check out additional stories like this from www.DrAngelaMazza.com |
Statistical Landscape & Real‑World Cases
| Cancer Type | Incidence/Comments |
|---|---|
| Male Breast Cancer (MBC) | ~20,000 new global cases/year (~1 in 800 men)¹ |
| Androgen User Cohort | 1,189 users vs 59,450 controls; IRR 1.05 overall, HR 3.07 post-diagnosis⁷ |
| Melanoma (High Testosterone) | Linked to elevated risk in men⁸ |
| AAS Carcinogenicity | Group 2A: probably carcinogenic to humans⁹ |
Case reports of liver adenomas, hepatic carcinoma, and rare male breast tumors continue to appear in medical literature. Although anecdotal, they highlight the real dangers of extreme hormone misuse.
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Stricter regulation: While the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014 expanded controlled substances lists, illicit gym-grade AAS remain easily accessible via black markets¹.
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Medical screening: Physicians should inquire about AAS use in men showing gynecomastia or early MBC signs; consider endocrine paneling and breast imaging.
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Harm reduction in gyms: Coaches and trainers can help reduce risks by discouraging off-label hormone use and encouraging natural muscle-building strategies.
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Public outreach: Awareness campaigns need to include male audiences about hormone risks—not just for heart health, but for cancer surveillance too.
Conclusion: When “Muscle” Meets Malignancy
The subculture of “juicing” may promise dramatic gains, but those gains come at a potentially deadly cost. Male breast cancer—once rare—is now rising in incidence worldwide, and although MBC has long been overlooked, it may be a sentinel warning of broader hormone-induced malignancies. The data may not fully capture the risk yet, but biological mechanisms are clear: excessive hormones fuel estrogenic and androgenic signaling, abet malignant growth, and impair the immune system’s ability to suppress aberrant cells. Even when cancer appears, outcomes post-diagnosis may be significantly worse in those with a history of AAS use.
Our cultural fascination with rapid transformation through endocrine manipulation demands urgent reevaluation. Until robust trials clarify the full risks, anecdotal signals—gynecomastia, hormone dependence, and deadly cancer outcomes—must not be ignored. Especially for men stepping onto the juicing path, awareness isn’t just power—it may be life-saving. Let’s pump iron, not hormones; build strength, not regrets.
Footnotes
(1) Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June). Male breast cancer. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Male_breast_cancer (2) Shen, Y., et al. (2018). Characterizing steroid hormone receptor chromatin binding in male breast cancer. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-04502-2 (3) Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June). Anabolic steroid. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroid (4) Penna, A., et al. (2017). Anabolic androgenic steroids and carcinogenicity: Focus on breast cancer mechanisms. Journal of Experimental Oncology. (5) Breastlink. (2025). Male Breast Cancer and Gynecomastia. https://www.breastlink.com/blog/male-breast-cancer-gynecomastia (6) Med News Today. (2024). Bodybuilders using tamoxifen and Arimidex to control gynecomastia. (7) Sørensen, H., et al. (2024). Excessive androgen exposure and cancer risk: A cohort study. Andrology Journal. (8) Cancer Research UK. (2021, March 31). New link between high testosterone in men and increased risk of melanoma. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org (9) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2020). IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans: Anabolic Steroids. (10) Antoni, M. H., Lutgendorf, S. K., Cole, S. W., et al. (2006). The influence of bio-behavioural factors on tumour biology: Pathways and mechanisms. Nature Reviews Cancer, 6(3), 240–248.
“DROP THE BIAS” is the campaign and battle cry of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance—a bold call to end the harmful misconception that breast cancer is a “women-only” disease. This bias in medicine, media, and society creates dangerous blind spots in care, leaving men misdiagnosed, undertreated, or ignored. It limits access to screening, support, and survivor recognition. But bias also lives within—men often avoid seeking help out of fear, stigma, or shame. “DROP THE BIAS” confronts this cultural and clinical oversight head-on, urging the world to recognize that men get breast cancer too. The campaign is not just about awareness—it’s about action. By challenging outdated assumptions, educating providers, empowering survivors, and opening dialogue, the Alliance aims to rewrite the narrative and save lives. “DROP THE BIAS” is a mission, a movement, and a message to all: equity in cancer care starts with truth.
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