Male Breast Cancer Disparities & Demographics: A National Inpatient Sample Database Analysis & Literature Review

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-15-2025

Publication Title

Clinical Cancer Research

Abstract

Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) disparities exist due to variations in MBC diagnosis and management. We aim to study the literature on MBC disparities and understand the demographic characteristics and utilization patterns of healthcare among MBC patients using a large-scale population-based sample. Methods: We conducted a staged literature search on databases using relevant MeSH keywords following PRISMA guidelines. After full-text analysis, only relevant articles on MBC disparities were included. For the database study, we used inpatient hospitalization data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. We obtained data of male patients with primary or secondary discharge diagnoses of primary breast cancer (ICD10-CM codes C50 & D05) to analyze demographics, inpatient cost, and length of stay. Results: Nine studies were gathered using the MeSH framework, with six deemed relevant. The American Cancer Society in 2022 reported the highest incidence of MBC in white men (2,650 cases), followed by black/African American men (510 cases). MBC exhibited a slightly higher mortality (530 deaths) compared to female breast cancer, attributed to delayed diagnosis and later-stage detection. Our NIS database analysis of 1803 hospitalizations supported the demographic findings above, with predominantly White (70.83%), followed by Black (17.72%) and Hispanic (6.61%) patients. The mean age was 67.8 years, with Medicare as the primary insurance coverage (65.02%). Most cases exhibited Charlson Comorbidity index scores of 3 or more (84.80%), with mainly non-elective admissions (77.75%). Hospitalizations were widespread across census divisions, predominantly in urban teaching hospitals (72.77%) and large facilities (48.75%). The mortality rate among hospitalizations for primary MBC was 4.9% (88/1803), with a mean length of stay of 5.2 days & mean hospital charges of $58,279. The literature shows that non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors contribute to these racial disparities. Men diagnosed with breast cancer often face unique challenges, including delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, and a lack of tailored treatment options. Addressing MBC disparities requires multifaceted approaches involving raising awareness, increasing education, expanding research efforts, and providing comprehensive support services. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, researchers, and policymakers is crucial for reducing disparities and improving outcomes. Conclusions: Our database analysis indicates primary MBC predominates among the elderly, whites, and Medicare beneficiaries, and we need a multifaceted approach to address these disparities. Males should also be educated to recognize breast cancer signs and seek timely medical care, as early detection enhances outcomes significantly.

Volume

31

Issue

12 Suppl

First Page

P3-05-14

Comments

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 10-13, 2024, San Antonio, TX

Last Page

P3-05-14

DOI

10.1158/1557-3265.SABCS24-P3-05-14

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