21 Jul Younger Black Men With Breast Cancer Have Higher Mortality Rate
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Helmneh Sineshaw, MD, MPH
Senior Epidemiologist, Health Services Researcher
American Cancer Society, Inc
Atlanta, GA 30303
MedicalResearch: What is the background for this study?
Dr. Sineshaw: Male breast cancer is a rare disease, and its incidence rate is increasing. Younger black men have a higher breast cancer incidence than their white counterparts. Although black/white disparities in treatment receipt and survival among women with breast cancer have been widely documented in the literature, there have been few similar studies in men with breast cancer. Previous studies were based on smaller sample size, older databases, or using data from elderly patients.
MedicalResearch: What are the main findings?
Dr. Sineshaw: Treatment receipt for black and white men diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer was remarkably similar in both younger and older age groups. However, younger blacks had a 76% higher risk of death than younger whites, which was significantly reduced after adjustment for insurance and income. In contrast, older black men did not have significant excess risk of death compared with their white counterparts.
MedicalResearch: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Sineshaw: Although no significant difference in receipt of treatment among younger black and white men for early-stage breast cancer, younger blacks had a higher risk of death. Physicians may play a significant role in making sure their younger black patients receive and complete the required standard treatment. Physicians as well as patients may need to look for opportunities that could improve receipt of optimal treatment and adherence to treatment.
MedicalResearch: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Sineshaw: Future research should focus on how we can better address barriers in access to optimal care and equal outcomes for all men with breast cancer.
Citation:
Helmneh M. Sineshaw, Rachel A. Freedman, Elizabeth M. Ward, W. Dana Flanders, and Ahmedin Jemal
JCO JCO.2014.60.5584; published online on May 4, 2015;
Helmneh Sineshaw, MD, MPH (2015). Younger Black Men With Breast Cancer Have Higher Mortality Rate
Last Updated on July 21, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD