Characterization of Korean Male Breast Cancer Using an Online Nationwide Breast-Cancer Database

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the characteristics and the survival rate in male breast cancer (MBC) patients in Korea over a 31-year period. Additionally, we analyzed the overall survival (OS) rate of a group of MBC matched to females with breast cancer.We retrospectively analyzed the data from 400 Korean patients who were treated for MBC from 1978 to 2009. Patient demographics and clinical information were routinely documented throughout the study period. Survival and prognostic factors were evaluated. Each MBC patient was matched with 5 female breast cancer (FBC) patients based on 7 characteristics and we compared the OS rates between the 2 groups.For MBC cases, the median follow-up was 72 months and the 5-year OS rate was 85.9%. In univariate analyses, the prognostic factors influencing OS were age (more than 60 years, P <0.001), tumor size (>2 cm, P = 0.007), and having a negative progesterone receptor (PR) status (P = 0.042). Only the age (P = 0.028) and tumor size (P = 0.024) were significant prognostic factors for OS in multivariate analysis. After matching, we had 260 male patients matched to 1300 female patients for analysis. Compared with cases among females, the rate of mastectomy was higher among MBC cases and tumors, which were almost invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs), were more likely to be located in the central part of the breast. For MBC cases, the percentage of adjuvant radiation therapy was low compared with female cases. The primary hormone therapy agent used was tamoxifen. The 5-year OS rates were similar in MBC compared with FBC (91.0% vs. 92.6%, P = 0.300).We found that only the age (more than 60 years) and tumor size were independent prognostic factors of survival in MBC. The prognosis for MBC is similar to that for FBC given similar stage and hormone-receptor status.

Comparing the Characteristics and Outcomes of Male and Female Breast Cancer Patients in Korea: Korea Central Cancer Registry

“…Relative to FBC, adjuvant radiotherapy is less commonly performed for MBC patients [17], and we also found that radiotherapy was significantly less likely to be performed for MBC than for FBC. Considering the patterns of cancer in men and women according to stage, radiotherapy was performed significantly less frequently in MBC overall, and within each stage (S1 Table).…”

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis Associated with Multiple Primary Cancers in Breast Cancer Patients

“…In this study, we used data approved by the Korean Breast Cancer Society registration system (KBCR). Since 1996, the KBCR has been registering cases submitted by breast surgeons at 110 training hospitals nationwide [ 2 14 15 ]. The cause and date of death in the data were used in connection with the Korea Central Cancer Registration Data of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in collaboration with the Korean National Statistical Office to compile complete death statistics which were updated through 2014.…”

Epidemiology and survival outcome of breast cancer in a nationwide study

“…Compared to female breast cancer, male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers in the United States [7] and Korea [8]. Male breast cancer was diagnosed at early stages and high rate of ER positivity [8], but evidences revealed that aromatase inhibitors are less effective in males than in post-menopausal women [9].…”

“…Male breast cancer was diagnosed at early stages and high rate of ER positivity [8], but evidences revealed that aromatase inhibitors are less effective in males than in post-menopausal women [9]. Though most male breast cancer subtypes are invasive ductal carcinomas, the 5-year overall survival rate was comparable between male and female breast cancer patients in Korea [8] while poorer overall survival but better breast cancer-specific survival in Hong Kong [10]. In our NHI database, the incidence of male breast cancer was rare, accounted for 0.4% of all breast cancer (see Supplementary Table 1).…”