The study is the first to examine how tumour support cells in men respond to hormones and fuel cancer growth.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen will begin a two-year investigative study to learn how breast cancer develops in men and the biological differences between that and female breast cancer.

Male breast cancer is an area of healthcare that remains significantly under-researched. Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. Yet, despite clear biological differences between male and female breast cancer, most breast cancer research and clinical trials are focused on women.

Consequently, men often experience delayed diagnosis and limited treatment evidence. There is also a lack of public awareness that breast cancer can affect men, as there is a misconception that breast cancer is a women’s disease, the researchers said.

Understudied for decades

Valerie Speirs, professor of molecular oncology at the University of Aberdeen, will lead the two-year study to examine cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These are support cells that surround tumours and influence how the cancer grows, spreads and responds to treatment. Her team has generated cancer-associated fibroblasts directly from both male and female breast cancer biopsies, including samples from the Breast Cancer Now Biobank.

The study will explore how these cells respond to hormones such as oestrogen and androgens to learn whether they act differently between male and female tumours, what triggers CAF activity in men, and how this may fuel tumour growth.

“Male breast cancer has been understudied for decades,” Speirs explained. “By mapping the cells and signals that shape the disease in men, we hope to open the door to more personalised treatments to ensure men are no longer left behind in breast cancer research.”

TV spotlight increasing public awareness

A current storyline in ITV soap Coronation Street is giving the disease greater public visibility. A male character received a stage three breast cancer diagnosis, and this has prompted thousands of viewers to seek information about symptoms and risk factors. Charities have also reported spikes in website traffic and helpline calls.

“This research aims to build on that momentum by addressing the scientific gaps that contribute to late diagnosis and limited treatment options for men,” Speirs added. Led by University of Aberdeen researchers, the study will also have involvement from major international and patient-focused organisations. This includes Spain’s leading research group on breast cancer (GEICAM), the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance and the Virtual Men’s Meet Up. 

This research could pave the way for more tailored treatments and better outcomes for men diagnosed with male breast cancer, said Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now.

“We’re pleased that samples from the Breast Cancer Now Biobank – the UK’s largest collection of breast cancer tissue, cells and blood samples from people with the disease – are supporting this study,” he said. “That’s exactly what our biobank is for, to give scientists around the world access to the samples and data that enable them to perform world-class research and drive progress. We look forward to seeing the findings and how they could advance our understanding and treatment of breast cancer in men.”