Stage and Type of Male Breast Cancer Presented at Mankweng Academic Hospital from 2015-2023

Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) is very uncommon, occurring less than 1% of all breast cancers, and has a worse survival rate compared with that of female patients. Clinical studies on male breast cancer have not been done frequently because of the rarity of the condition. The main aim of this study is to understand the profile of male breast cancer patients treated at Mankweng Hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was adopted to analyze the profile of all patients with histologically confirmed male breast cancer from March 2015 to May 2023 in the Mankweng Breast Oncology clinic. Results: A total of 17 patients with confirmed MBC were evaluated. Age range 23–80 years. The mean age is 62.5 years, with the majority (76%, 5%) being above the age of 50 years. Early-stage (0, I & II) comprised 6 (35%) and late-stage (III & IV) consisted of 11 (65%) patients. Invasive ductal carcinoma was 14 (82%), Colloid carcinoma 1, Papillary carcinoma 1 and Metastatic Adenocarcinoma 1. Molecular subtype: Luminal A: 7 (43.8%), Luminal B: 8 (50%) & Triple-negative: 1 (6.2%). ER Positive: 15 (93.7%), ER Negative: 1 (6.3%). Conclusions: The majority (65%) of male breast cancer were diagnosed at an advanced stage, and 76.5% were over the age of 50 years. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most (82%) common histological type of breast cancer, and the majority (93%) are oestrogen receptor positive in this study. There is a gap that needs to be filled in terms of public knowledge about male breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness campaigns are also important for men to prevent delayed presentation. Men over 50 years old who notice a change in their breasts should report promptly to a health facility for further assessment.