METHODS: We conducted a thematic review of qualitative studies included in a large published scoping review on male breast cancer (reported under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews extension). To be included in a qualitative evidence review, studies had to use qualitative methods for data collection and analysis to capture the perspectives of men with breast cancer, partners or caregivers, and healthcare workers. Key characteristics and findings were extracted and a conceptual coding framework was summarized using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Out of a total of 310 studies in the research literature (published research articles and gray literature), 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported on the experiences of men with breast cancer, partners or caregivers, and healthcare workers, with participant numbers ranging from 2 to 31. A total of 17 descriptive themes (study outcomes) were identified. From these, four high-level analytic themes emerged: (1) Predicament; (2) Emotion; (3) Support; (4) Coping.
CONCLUSIONS: The gender stigma that exists at the patient, healthcare system, and family-society levels largely influences the experiences of the male breast cancer stakeholder population. To address gender inequalities in breast cancer care, healthcare organizations and society at large should remain equally attentive to the needs of male and female breast cancer patients. These needs include reducing healthcare and social stigma, providing gender-specific information and emotional support, and access to support groups.
方法:我们对已发表的关于男性乳腺癌的大型范围审查中的定性研究进行了专题审查(报告在“范围审查扩展的系统审查和荟萃分析的首选报告项目”下)。纳入定性证据审查,研究必须使用定性方法进行数据收集和分析,以捕捉男性乳腺癌患者的观点,合作伙伴或照顾者,和医护人员。提取了关键特征和发现,并使用主题分析总结了概念编码框架。
结果:在研究文献中总共310项研究(已发表的研究文章和灰色文献)中,15项研究符合纳入标准。这些研究报道了男性乳腺癌患者的经历,合作伙伴或照顾者,和医护人员,参与者人数从2到31不等。总共确定了17个描述性主题(研究结果)。从这些,出现了四个高级分析主题:(1)困境;(2)情感;(3)支持;(4)应对。
结论:患者存在的性别污名,医疗保健系统,和家庭社会水平在很大程度上影响男性乳腺癌相关人群的经历。为了解决乳腺癌护理中的性别不平等问题,医疗保健组织和整个社会应该同样关注男性和女性乳腺癌患者的需求。这些需求包括减少医疗保健和社会耻辱,提供针对性别的信息和情感支持,并获得支持团体。