Male Breast Cancer: Bridging the Gaps of Neglect-A Global Call for Equitable Care and Inclusion.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare but increasingly recognized malignancy that remains underrepresented in research, policy, and clinical practice. Persistent misconceptions that breast cancer is exclusively female disease contribute to delayed presentation, advanced-stage diagnosis, and poorer outcomes in men. This article examines global disparities affecting awareness, diagnosis, treatment, research inclusion, and psychosocial care, and proposes strategic actions to advance equitable and inclusive oncology.

METHODS: This article is based on a targeted review of peer-reviewed studies, epidemiologic analyses, clinical reports, and guideline documents addressing the epidemiology, biology, diagnosis, management, genetics, and psychosocial impact of MBC. Literature was identified through structured searches of academic databases including PubMed and scholarly and authoritative institutional sources. Findings were synthesized thematically to identify gaps, systemic barriers, and priority interventions.

RESULTS: MBC accounts for approximately 0.5%-1% of all breast cancer cases globally, with evidence suggesting rising incidence and late-stage detection. Limited public and professional awareness contributes to diagnostic delays, while absence of routine screening and male-specific protocols further complicates early identification. Clinical management is commonly extrapolated from female breast cancer trials despite biological and hormonal differences that may influence treatment response and toxicity. Men also experience psychosocial burdens, including stigma, isolation, threats to identity, and lack of tailored support services. Pathogenic variants such as BRCA1/2, CHEK2, PALB2 are relatively prevalent among affected men, yet genetic counseling and cascade testing remain underutilized. Together, these factors create a persistent "silent burden" and contribute to suboptimal outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Addressing inequities in MBC requires coordinated global action, including sex-disaggregated data systems, inclusive clinical research, male-specific diagnostic and treatment guidance, targeted awareness initiatives, and integrated psychosocial and genetic services. Recognizing MBC within national and global cancer agendas is essential to improving early detection, optimizing treatment outcomes, and ensuring equitable, evidence-based care for all individuals affected by breast cancer.