Long Term Follow Up of Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of breast cancers with published overall and disease free survival being lower than in females.

To determine treatment and long term outcomes for male breast cancer patients in our unit.

A database has been maintained for all breast cancer patients diagnosed in our unit since 1993. Patients were identified using the database and information was collated on patient demographics, tumour pathology, treatment and outcomes using the database and retrospective chart review. Patients were followed to cause of death.

From 1994-2009 twenty-four cancers were diagnosed in twenty-two patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 69. Male breast cancer patients were treated using similar principles to female breast cancer. Twenty patients underwent mastectomy, two patients underwent wide local excision. No patients developed local recurrence. One patient died from their breast cancer with systemic metastases. 10-year overall survival was 22%, 10 year disease-specific survival was 80%. Other causes of death included medical co-morbidity and secondary cancers.

Disease free survival in our unit is comparable to other published studies. High age at diagnosis and co-morbidity are the most important factors in determining overall outcome. Treatment pathways for male breast cancer should follow guidelines for female disease in order to optimise outcomes. Future research at national or international level is necessary to ensure the most effective treatments are implemented for male breast cancer patients.