Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Breast cancer in men: the role of shame and gender narratives in experiencing the disease and seeking support. (126807)

Anna Syska-Bielak 1 , Marta Pawełczak-Szastok 2 , Agnieszka Wirzman 3 , Michał Jarząb 4
  1. Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Diseases, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
  2. Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Oncohematology, M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
  3. Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Diseases., M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
  4. Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Diseases., M. Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland

Breast cancer in men remains a marginalised phenomenon in both medicine and public awareness. This results in later diagnosis, lack of dedicated forms of support and serious psychological consequences. Due to the strong association of this disease with femininity, men diagnosed with breast cancer may experience gender identity disorders, shame, social isolation and resistance to seeking psychological help.

The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experience of men with breast cancer (n=20) in terms of their sense of masculinity, self-perception and use of support. The study used a semi-structured in-depth interview - to identify common themes and psychological challenges specific to this unique patient group.

The results of the study were used to develop recommendations for psycho-oncological practice, taking into account the specific psychological needs of men coping with “non-masculine” cancer.