Male breast cancer in the United States

July 23, 2010

Tumor characteristics and marital status were the primary predictors of therapy and cancer mortality among men with breast cancer, according to a recent report in the journal Cancer. The study found that although aromatase inhibitors are not currently recommended, they are commonly prescribed. However, their use did not result in a decrease in cancer mortality.

As breast cancer in men is so rare, clinical trials are not feasible. To examine tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival, the study investigators identified 512 men from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. These men were newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and in 2004. 

Most men (79%) were diagnosed through discovery of a breast lump or other symtpoms.  Among men who had invasive disease, 86% underwent mastectomy, 37% received chemotherapy, and 58% received hormone therapy. In a statistical analysis, tumor size and positive lymph node status were associated positively with the use of chemotherapy, and current unmarried status was associated with not receiving chemotherapy. Among men who had invasive disease, cancer mortality was associated with tumor size.  Among men with ER-positive/borderline disease, increased cancer mortality was associated with tumor size and current unmarried status, while decreased mortality was associated with tamoxifen use.