Work

Characteristics, Treatment, and Survival of Male Breast Cancer: A 21-year Retrospective Analysis at a Community Academic Institute in Central Illinois

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Male breast cancer is an uncommon disease, representing a fraction of all breast cancer diagnoses. This study examines the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of males with breast cancer at a community academic institute in central Illinois. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of male patients with breast cancer treated between 2000 and 2021. This review focuses on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and recurrence and survival rates. We evaluated the association of epidemiological factors and clinical outcomes with patient age, tumor stage, and grade, as well as tumor hormone receptor status. Results: Our study included 81 male patients, predominantly white, with a median age of 67 years. Most cases presented estrogen receptor-positive (96.1%) and progesterone receptor-positive (93.5%) tumors, while only 13.5% had HER-2 neu receptor-positive expression. Staging distribution was 34.6% at Stage I, 47.4% at Stage II, and 17.9% at Stages III/IV among 78 patients. Recurrence occurred in 20.8% of 77 patients, with a 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of 76.2%. The 5-year overall survival rate of all 81 patients was 63.4%. Age and disease stage were significantly associated with mortality ( P = .041 and P = .0028, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings align with national trends in male breast cancer demographics and outcomes, with comparable survival statistics. Increased awareness and targeted research are critical to improving management and prognosis for this patient population. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the molecular basis of male breast cancer and to refine treatment guidelines.

Source: Cancer Control

DOI: 10.1177/10732748251335365

Authors: Waqas Azhar, Ricardo Cossyleon, Syeda Fatima Kamal, Kristin Delfino, Kathy Robinson, Krishna Rao

Institutions: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIU Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Male Breast Health Studies

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650