# High Mortality in the Male Breast Cancer Community: A Report on Its Drivers and a Demand for Change in Healthcare Policy

## TL;DR

Male breast cancer has high mortality due to late detection caused by lack of awareness and gender bias, requiring changes in healthcare policy.

## Contribution

This study highlights the role of late detection and gender bias in male breast cancer mortality and advocates for policy changes.

## Key findings

- Most MBC cases were slow-growing (grade 1 or 2), but 68% were diagnosed at stage 4.
- Late detection is driven by lack of awareness, gender bias, and stigma around sexual health.

## Abstract

Introduction: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare cancer with a high mortality rate. MBC remains a rare but significant health concern in the United States, with ongoing cases and associated mortality. This mortality rate could be attributed to late detection in men as a result of a lack of awareness, gender bias, and stigma around sexual health.

Aims: In relation, the goals of this study are threefold: (i) to shed light on the role late detection may play in mortality in MBC patients; (ii) to highlight the epidemiological factors that contribute to MBC; and (iii) to promote early detection.

Methods: Questionnaires were created and circulated to MBC patients in the United States and their families to garner information on their disease progression. This study was conducted remotely, and data were received from 122 patients who were part of the MBC coalition (now two separate organizations - Male Breast Cancer Happens and Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance).

Results: A total of 41 (85.30%) survey takers had a grade 1 or 2 cancer, indicating that most cancers were slow-growing. However, it was also found that 52 (68%) men were diagnosed at stage 4, indicating delayed detection.

Conclusion: For a cancer so rare, it is easy for the poor outcomes that plague those impacted by MBC to go unnoticed. The lack of awareness and screening for MBC leads to late detection and death. Therefore, it is imperative that the system practices screening protocols that promote early detection, thereby changing the current healthcare policy.