Long-term survival in 406 males with breast cancer.
Survival was analyzed during a follow-up period of up to 20 years in 406 (97%) of all 420 males in whom breast cancer was diagnosed in Sweden in 1960-1978. After correction for the expected mortality in the general population, cumulated survival rates (with 95% confidence limits) of 66 (58.7-72.5)% and 52 (42.0-62.1)% at 5 and 10 years respectively were found. These figures and the general pattern of relative survival rates were in close accordance with those noted in a concomitant series of female breast cancer. There was a trend toward slightly improved survival rates during the period of study and the median survival times were 3.9, 4.8 and 7.2 years for patients diagnosed in 1960-64, 1965-69 and 1970-74 respectively. Age at diagnosis was seemingly unrelated to the long-term relative survival. We conclude that, except for a slightly higher mean age at diagnosis in males, there is a striking similarity in the natural history of breast cancer between men and women after initial treatment, with an excess death rate which still persists at long-term observation.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors