Objective This study aimed to explore the stigma experiences of male breast cancer patients, a group often overlooked due to the rarity of the disease. This research focuses on how these patients perceive and are affected by social stigma during and after treatment. Method A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted. The study included five male patients diagnosed with breast cancer, recruited from an oncology hospital in Central Anatolia, Turkey, between January and October 2023. Data were collected through semistructured interviews conducted via WhatsApp video calls. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. Results Participants initially attempted to hide the physical signs of their illness but later adapted to their condition. Challenges were reported in resuming normal life during and after treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. While no significant stigma was perceived within hospital settings, participants expressed discomfort about receiving treatment in shared environments with female patients, particularly in waiting areas. These feelings were linked to gender roles and social perceptions. Conclusion Although male breast cancer patients did not report stigma from healthcare professionals, they experienced emotional discomfort due to the predominantly female environment of breast cancer care. The findings emphasize the need to raise awareness of male breast cancer and to create healthcare environments sensitive to gender‐based experiences to support the psychosocial well‐being of male patients.
Arslan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.