Breast cancer in men

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer in males is a relatively rare entity. In the sub-region, several reports indicate a higher incidence rate compared to other regions in the world. For many years, management strategies were derived from evidence based protocols established for managing female breast cancer. There are however,differences in the epidemiology, presentation, molecular profiles and response to therapies including chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapies. Outcomes even though mirroring female breast cancer may actually exhibit differences dependent onstage, race, prognostic and economic variables. The lack of large randomized trials on this subject has resulted in ad hoc management practices across the globe. With new information from renewed interest in the subject, screening and diagnostic guidelines are being established for high-risk groups and we expect to see improvement in outcomes for patients with male breast cancer. This article attempts to bring to light a summary of the current interest, recommendations and controversies in the management of male breast cancer