Quality of life and symptoms in male breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Introduction: Little is known about quality of life and symptoms of male breast cancer survivors. Patients and methods: We recruited men with stage 0-4 breast cancer for an on-line survey through www.outoftheshadowofpink.com, www.malebreastcancer.org, and www.malebreastcancer.ca. Surveys included Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) Hormonal/Sexual Scales, Hospitalized Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), sociodemographic/disease-related, genetic, and fertility-related items. Results: Forty-two responded. Mean EPIC Sexual and Hormonal scores were 44.5 and 81.3, respectively, suggesting symptom burden. Mean FACT-B score was 111.1, consistent with impaired overall quality of life. Conclusions: Male survivors experience substantial sexual and hormonal symptoms. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.