Survival Disparities in Male Patients With Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM: We evaluated factors associated with mortality among men with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the National Cancer Database to identify men with breast cancer and evaluated factors associated with mortality, using a Cox regression model. RESULTS: Black patients experienced an increased risk of death from any cause compared to white patients [hazard ratio (HR)=1.19, 95%CI=1.05-1.37]. Patients with government insurance had a greater risk of death compared to privately insured patients (HR=1.57, 95%CI=1.41-1.75). When compared to patients with an income of >$46,000, those with an income <$30,000 presented an increased risk of death (HR=1.35, 95%CI=1.14-1.60). Finally, patients treated at a comprehensive community cancer program (HR=1.129, 95%CI=1.021-1.248), community cancer program (HR=1.164, 95%CI=1.010-1.343), or integrated network cancer program (HR=1.216; 95%CI=1.056-1.401) experienced elevated risk of death compared to those treated at academic/research-programs. CONCLUSION: Race, insurance, income, education, and facility type are associated with the risk of mortality in male patients with breast cancer.