Male breast neoplasia: an approach to the challenges in public policy

Abstract

The theme of this research concerns the knowledge about primary and secondary prevention of male breast cancer among health science students, related to the lack of public policies for disseminating this prevention information. The objective is to understand how the knowledge deficit regarding primary and secondary prevention of male breast cancer among male health science students relates to the absence of public policies for dissemination, in order to promote educational strategies and increase the visibility of the disease. This is a quantitative, exploratory field study. The results indicate that some participants recognize the possibility of cancer occurring in men, although many report not having received formal guidance on the subject. Significant ignorance was observed regarding tests available in the public system for screening, as well as regarding signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with the disease. Lack of information was identified as the main obstacle to early diagnosis, revealing gaps in academic training and suggesting that the topic remains under-discussed, possibly because it is culturally associated with women. It is concluded that the participants' knowledge deficit regarding primary and secondary prevention of male breast cancer stands out, with limited understanding of risk factors, signs, and symptoms. This indicates that this malignancy was not adequately addressed in academic training, likely because it is more commonly associated with women, as shown in the scientific literature. The importance of implementing public health education policies focused on prevention, involving health and educational institutions, can be inferred, aiming to reduce mortality rates from this disease.