Male breast cancer: incompatible and incomparable

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

In recent years, increased advocacy for breast cancer awareness and research has resulted in a vast array of support services and progressive treatment strategies. Although rare, male breast cancer remains a substantial cause for morbidity and mortality in men. This is often explained by its late diagnosis.

Method:

Six men with breast cancer and five health professionals were interviewed to discuss their experiences with male breast cancer. All data were analyzed thematically. Discussion centered on patient encounters with breast cancer and details of its treatment.

Results:

Interviews highlighted the gender disparities within breast cancer research, treatment and services. Research into discussions in men's health often emphasizes masculinity as the main hindrance to men accessing health services and seeking medical consultation. However interviews demonstrated additional deterrents that obstruct men with breast cancer from benefiting from a full range of health services. These ranged from gendered assumptions of behavior and needs, inadequate awareness efforts and sources of information to inappropriate support options.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that treatment for male breast cancer is hindered by responses and perceptions that are gender contingent. The lack of qualitative effort afforded to the experience of male breast cancer and the transfer of understanding of breast cancer from women to men fosters a misconstrued interpretation and comprehension of breast cancer in men, both medically and socially. Equally, this study demonstrates a need to redefine our current understanding of men's health in order to make services more accessible and compelling to men and that fit current male frameworks for accessing medical advice and coping with illness.