Quality of Life of Male Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer treatments significantly influence the quality of life of cancer survivors. While most studies have focused on female breast cancer survivors, data on the quality of life of men who have undergone medical, surgical or radiological treatments for breast cancer are limited.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of male breast cancer survivors.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement with a search in four databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. We screened and extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the studies via the Cochrane RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools for randomised clinical trials and follow-up studies, respectively. The data were presented in a narrative synthesis format.

Results: In total, 993 records were identified, of which three studies were included for analysis: two randomised clinical trials and one cohort study. The interventions in the randomised clinical trials involved evaluating the impact of endocrine therapy and the implementation of online physical training. Although there was a reduction in the overall quality of life during cancer treatment, patients who received tamoxifen monotherapy did not report a clinically significant change in their sexual function. Additionally, moderate exercise was shown to improve physical health and enhance social well-being. In the cohort study, quality of life and symptom burden were evaluated in men with breast cancer treated with endocrine therapies at the time of diagnosis via symptom assessment scales.

Conclusions: Male breast cancer survivors experience a decrease in quality of life during and after treatment. While tamoxifen monotherapy preserves sexual function, moderate-intensity physical rehabilitation significantly improves both quality of life and social functioning. The limited number of studies included in this review highlights the need for further research to address the physical, psychological and social needs of male breast cancer survivors.