Male and female disparities in breast cancer epidemiology: A comparative cross-sectional analysis of a Brazilian cohort (2017–2021)

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare condition, accounting for approximately 1 % of all breast cancer cases. Nevertheless, the paucity of MBC-specific research has impeded a thorough understanding of MBC. In this study, we aimed to delineate the epidemiological implications of MBC in Brazil and benchmarked it against female breast cancer (FBC). This retrospective study analyzed data from the DATASUS database (2017-2021), which assessed the incidence of breast cancer in both sexes. All statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, with significance set at a 95 % confidence interval. We identified 4,326 (1.7 %) and 233,793 (94.2 %) patients with MBC and FBC, respectively, in Brazil. Despite the general population concentration in the Southeast, MBC cases were more prevalent in the Northeast (p < 0.0004). At breast cancer diagnosis, males were typically older (mean age 59.5 [±10.2] years) than females (mean age 55.7 7 [±9.8] years). MBC was more commonly diagnosed clinically compared with FBC, which was most commonly diagnosed via screening. Surgical diagnostics were twice as likely in males, who also more frequently presented with advanced disease stages (stages III and IV; 72.8 % vs. 59.3 %), leading to a higher rate of mastectomy. Treatment was initiated earlier in males than in females. Although MBC comprises a minority of breast cancer cases, it is more frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage compared with FBC and necessitates aggressive treatment. Our study also underscores the potential benefit of prompt initiation of therapy and need for tailored clinical approaches in patients with MBC.