(Image: Eva Milne)
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen are launching a two-year study into why breast cancer develops differently in men, in a bid to improve diagnosis and treatment options.
Led by Professor Valerie Speirs, the project will investigate the biological differences between male and female breast cancer, addressing gaps in research that have left men with limited treatment evidence and delayed diagnoses.
Professor Valerie Speirs. (Image: Supplied)
The study is supported by a £300,000 award from the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office.
Researchers will focus on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), support cells surrounding tumours that can influence how cancer grows, spreads and responds to treatment.
The team will examine how these cells respond to hormones, including oestrogen and androgens, and whether their behaviour differs in male and female breast tumours. The research will also investigate what triggers CAF activity in men and how it may contribute to tumour growth.
Professor Speirs’ team has already generated CAFs from male and female breast cancer biopsies, including 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.
The project will involve international partners including GEICAM, Spain’s leading breast cancer research group, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance and men affected by the disease through The Virtual Men’s Meetup.
Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, including approximately 40 in Scotland. Despite these cases, much breast cancer research and many clinical trials focus on women, leaving less evidence to guide treatment for men.
Dave Talbot. (Image: Supplied)
One man who has experienced the impact of the disease is Dave Talbot, a former police officer who was diagnosed in 2015 after discovering a lump while on holiday.
He underwent a mastectomy, lymph node removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and has been cancer-free since 2016. He spent five years taking the drug tamoxifen but eventually stopped because of side effects.
Mr Talbot has since worked to raise awareness through charity events and national campaigns, and remains an active member of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance.
Read more
Dave Talbot, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, said: "Anyone who is told they have cancer thinks, 'how long have I got?'
"Had I left it a few more weeks, it might have been very different.
"It was striking how many didn’t realise men could get breast cancer. Given half a chance, I’ll drop it into conversation.
"Men are notoriously bad at going to the doctor and we know that early diagnosis saves lives.
"I was told, 'We have to assume it works the same in men as in women.' But the side effects can be very different.
"That’s why research into male breast cancer is so important—treatment is not a one size-fits-all.
"Male breast cancer is different, and we need to address that."
Dave Talbot. (Image: Supplied)
Professor Valerie Speirs, project lead at the University of Aberdeen, said: "Male breast cancer has been understudied for decades.
"By mapping the cells and signals that shape the disease in men, we hope to open the door to more personalised treatments and ensure men are no longer left behind in breast cancer research.
"This research aims to build on that momentum by addressing the scientific gaps that contribute to late diagnosis and limited treatment options for men."
Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, said: "While male breast cancer is rare, around 400 men are diagnosed each year in the UK.
"Research like this is vital to improving our understanding of the disease and could pave the way for more tailored treatments and better outcomes for men diagnosed with it."