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Two proteins that are linked to breast cancer in men were recently discovered in a new study. Proteins elF4E and elF5, when found present in the tumor, may indicate a lesser percentage of survival compared to tumor samples who did not express these proteins.

The recent study posted on the Medical News Today revealed the presence of these unique two proteins in tumors from breast cancer in men may help identify whether certain male breast cancer patients might benefit from more extensive treatment. The research was conducted at the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, where 697 samples of tumors from breast cancer in men were accessed. To date, this is one of the largest studies focusing on male breast cancer.

The Medical Xpress further discussed that the discovery of the two proteins unique in men with severe cases of breast cancer also helps in adjusting treatment in men and may help in improving the possible outcomes of the treatment. At present, breast cancer in men is treated the same way as women. Samples used in the study were provided by the Breast Cancer Now Charity and the Yorkshire Cancer Research, who also helped to fund the study.

Experts involved in the study believe that it would be important to further investigate breast cancer in men. Biologically, breast cancer in women and in men are different, but the extent of the difference remains to be vague even for medical experts. To ensure that a patient will receive the most appropriate treatment, further studies should be conducted to increase the chances of survival, both in women and men with breast cancer.

Data from the American Cancer Society reveal that breast cancer in men is around 100 times less common compared to women. The risk of getting one is also very low, one in every 1000. However, since the disease is quite rare, treatment and effective studies on it are not enough. Participants in such studies, to be able to fully understand and address such disease, are too few, making it harder to develop male-specific breast cancer treatments.