Breast Cancer in Men and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review

Background: Quality of Life is a multifaceted concept, and understanding it is essential for improving symptom management, patient care, and rehabilitation. The incidence of metastatic breast cancer in men appears to be rising, with data indicating an increase from 7.2% to 10.3% over the past decade. Although male breast cancer remains rare, it is crucial for nurses to identify the most effective approaches to manage these patients and enhance the quality of care provided. This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review to determine whether studies exist that assess quality of life in men with breast cancer. Methods: The databases Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and Wiley were systematically searched by two independent reviewers, ensuring that the studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. Results: Out of 2410 references identified, 731 articles remained after removing duplicates. Following the screening process and exclusion of records not meeting the inclusion criteria, 6 studies were ultimately included in the review. Conclusions: The tools used to assess quality of life were heterogeneous, making it impossible to draw generalizable conclusions.