Abstract C108: Breast cancer experiences of sexual minority men: A qualitative analysis of the out national cancer survey data

Abstract Male breast cancer is rare, comprising less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S.,1-7 accounting for more than 2,000 new diagnoses each year,1,5,7 and a rate that is only rising.1,3 The majority of male breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive which is also the predominant issue for female breast cancer.1,7 Also, similar to female breast cancer, male breast cancer is most often invasive ductal carcinomas.1,5,7 Biological mechanisms that increase levels of estrogen in the male body – such as prostate cancer treatment with estrogens, exogenous estrogen or testosterone use, Klinefelter Syndrome, gynecomastia, and testicular abnormalities – are risk factors for male breast cancer.1,2,4,5,7 BRCA2 genetic mutations and a family history of breast cancer are risk factors.2,4,5,7,8 Compared to other races, Black men are at a significantly increased risk for breast cancer.7 Other risk factors for breast cancer among men is higher alcohol consumption,5,7,9-12 obesity,1,7,9-11 and low levels of physical activity,1,9 each also operating also as coping mechanisms for homophobia for sexual minority populations. Breast cancer affecting men is under-researched overall, and research on gay and bisexual men who have faced breast cancer is non-existent in the literature. This paper aims to be the first step in growing the research for this important population and disease. Though there are overlaps between the biological mechanisms of risk for breast cancer among men and women, the social experiences are very different.2 This social construction of breast cancer as a female issue has led to documented delays in treatment, increased body image concerns, and feelings of stigma for men facing breast cancer.2,4,8 In addition, men do not find resources or educational materials on breast cancer geared towards men.8 Men also have fear of social exclusion from other men or feelings of emasculation, that their own masculinity is threatened.2,4,8 Within medical settings, some men have even described discrimination by healthcare providers in treatment for breast cancer.4,6Using data from the National LGBT Cancer Network’s OUT National Cancer Survey, this study analyzed the experiences of gay and bisexual male populations who faced breast cancer diagnoses.13 This dataset is the first large, nationwide sample to target LGBTQ+ populations regarding their cancer diagnoses. Survey items included demographics, behavioral questions about cancer treatment and social support, and structural and psychosocial barriers to or facilitators of seeking care. A total of 2,700 respondents completed the National LGBT Cancer Network survey. Of those 2,700 respondents, 503 had had breast cancer diagnoses. The sample for this study included the 13 males (since birth), 12 of whom were gay and 1 who was bisexual, of those 503 respondents. Findings support previous qualitative research on men with breast cancer; however, this data set also provides nuance to the socially "gendered" elements of breast cancer that men face in treatment and social life. Citation Format: Kristi Tredway, Melissa S. Camp. Breast cancer experiences of sexual minority men: A qualitative analysis of the out national cancer survey data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C108.