MALE BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE ADEQUACY OF THEIR SURVIVORSHIP CARE

Approximately 1% of all breast cancer survivors are male. However, survivorship care for this population follows precedents designed for females. The purpose of this study was to describe male breast cancer survivors’ perspectives on the adequacy of survivorship care. This research was embedded in a larger study of breast cancer survivorship. Five cis-male breast cancer survivors (most 1 year post-surgery and in their late 60s) were interviewed for up to 2 hours. Open-ended questions addressed survivorship care planning, daily and valued activities, identity, symptoms and late effects of therapy, and interactions with family, coworkers, and the health care system. Men’s responses were compared to those of 34 females enrolled in the larger study. Male participants noted significant challenges related to gendered clinical settings, lack of tailored survivorship care, sexuality, and psychological impacts of living with a rare and often metastatic disease. Possibilities for mHealth and care planning will be discussed.