479 - EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND INCIDENCE OF BREAST CANCER IN MALE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the rare incidence of malignant breast pathologies in men, it is extremely important to pay attention to any complaints related to breast alterations in men. Benign and malignant breast diseases are uncommon in men.
In addition, most of the male population can be careless when it comes to their own health, especially in breast diseases,
commonly seen as an exclusive condition for women. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of male patients treated at the Mastology Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Lagoa’s Federal Hospital (HFL), a tertiary
health institution. Methods: In total, 40 medical records of patients who were assisted during 2020 and 2021 were evaluated. Results: The majority of patients were between 30 and 70 years old, and the major complaints (97%) were related to
a tumor or to breast volume increase. Sixty percent of the patients were diagnosed with gynecomastia and, as a consequence, have been regularly observed throughout appointments since then. Some of these patients (12.5%) have reported
the use of anabolic substances before the discovery. The breast cancer incidence in this male population was 22.5% during this period, and the patients affected by malignant tumors were between 47 and 74 years old. Most patients with
breast cancer smoked (55%) and drank alcohol (22%). No patient had breast cancer in family history and only one patient
was related to a family history of prostate cancer. A total of 66.6% of the male breast cancer in this study population was
positive for hormone receptors, and the papillary carcinoma of the breast was the predominant histological type (44.4%).
Conclusion: As other studies indicate, all of the patients were in an advanced stage of the disease since the first appointment at HFL. Low educational level, no knowledge about possible male breast cancer, insecurity, shyness and fear of possible social judgments about breast increase (especially in older patients), and carelessness when it comes to their own
health were the preponderant factors for a clinically advanced disease among the patients at HFL. These factors were also
relevant for a bad adaptation to the treatment, as well as emotional shakiness during therapy and follow-up: some patients
showed symptoms such as apathy, deep sadness, and even depression. The male population assisted by the Mastology
Clinic at HFL has similar features as the ones in equivalent studies. This research confirms the necessity of an increase in
male’s Health Care Education, family participation during treatment, and interdisciplinary care, considering the physical and emotional consequences of such diagnosis.