The experience of men with breast cancer: a metasynthesis

Aim To assess men's experiences when diagnosed with breast cancer. Subject and Methods: The breast is a symbol of femininity. Therefore, it is no surprise that studies on women's experiences with breast cancer predominate in the literature. Because breast cancer accounts for just 1% of all cancers among men, it is often overlooked. Nevertheless, it accounts for proportionately more deaths than penile or testicular cancer. Five major databases were queried in December 2022 to review primary studies with qualitative design.Aim To assess men's experiences when diagnosed with breast cancer. Subject and Methods: The breast is a symbol of femininity. Therefore, it is no surprise that studies on women's experiences with breast cancer predominate in the literature. Because breast cancer accounts for just 1% of all cancers among men, it is often overlooked. Nevertheless, it accounts for proportionately more deaths than penile or testicular cancer. Five major databases were queried in December 2022 to review primary studies with qualitative design.Results Of the 206 articles selected and screened, eight met the inclusion criteria. Three highlighting men's experience with stigmatisation and their need to be taken into consideration, even through information not solely aimed at women, are from a German study conducted between 2018 and 2020. Three from the UK between 2003 and 2007, also emphasise the stigma and the need for more information directed specifically at men. The study from the United States points out that men who receive treatment in women's care spaces experience feelings of inadequacy. Last, a recent Israeli paper (2021) describes how men conceal the disease to avoid the stigma altogether.Conclusion The paper examines the paltry, recent research on men's emotional experience with breast cancer, which is culturally relegated to women. However, a clear need emerges for more attention to be paid to addressing communications and relations for these male patients as well.