In the field of oncology, male breast cancer has traditionally been relegated to the background, but the Recent years have brought important advances in its research and treatment. Dr. Ander Urruticoechea, head of oncology at the Cancer Center in Donostia-San Sebastián, gives us an expert view of this pathology and the challenges it still faces.
Significant Differences in Therapeutic Approach
Treatment of breast cancer in men presents notable differences compared to women. According to Urruticoechea, 96% of male patients undergo mastectomies, compared to 30% of women. “Men also like to have their chests and not have a big scar.
The breast is very important for women and much less for men,” laments the expert. This situation contrasts with the conservative treatments, that reach 70% in women, but only 4% in men.
These data come from the first registry of the Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group Foundation (GEICAM Group) on male breast cancer in Spain. This valuable study, which collected information from almost 800 patients between 2000 and 2019, offers valuable insight into how this disease is being addressed in our country.
Importance of Registration and Research
The creation of this large data repository The collaboration of GEICAM has been a fundamental step towards advancing the knowledge and treatment of breast cancer in men. Urruticoechea highlights that they have managed to collect 613 tumor samples and 45 samples of metastatic tumors, which has “unparalleled value for research.”
According to the expert, the distinction between male and female breast cancer has lost importance, since it has been shown that breast cancer in women “has ceased to be a disease” and has become “a lot of diseases.” In this sense, male breast cancer is now considered “another subtype of breast cancer,” which has removed the need to emphasize the differences.
Pending Challenges: Early Diagnosis and Awareness
Despite advances, male breast cancer still faces significant challenges. One of them is the late diagnosissince prejudices and lack of information mean that up to 80% of cases are detected in advanced stages, when the disease has already spread to other organs.
According to figures from the GEICAM Group, it is estimated that around 350 male patients are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Spain, 80% of them in advanced stages. This represents a 49% more likely to be diagnosed late compared to womenwhich translates into lower survival.
For this reason, the Male Breast Cancer Association (INVI) calls for a increased awareness and self-exploration breast cancer also affects men. Only through greater awareness and education about this pathology will we be able to achieve early diagnosis and improve therapeutic results.
In conclusion, male breast cancer has gained greater relevance in recent years, thanks to initiatives like the GEICAM registry and the efforts of organizations such as INVI. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve a more comprehensive and effective approach to this disease in male patients.
