Planning treatment for breast cancer in men

Multidisciplinary team

This is a team of staff who specialise in treating breast cancer and in giving information and support. It is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT), and will normally include:

• surgeons who are experienced in breast surgery
• breast care nurses who give information and support
• oncologists - doctors who have experience in breast cancer treatment using chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy
• radiologists who help to read mammograms
• pathologists who advise on the type and extent of the cancer.

Other staff will also be available to help you if necessary, such as: 

• physiotherapists
• counsellors and psychologists
• social workers.

Giving consent

Before you have any treatment, your doctor will explain its aims to you. They will usually ask you to sign a form saying that you give your permission (consent) for the hospital staff to give you the treatment. No treatment can be given without your consent, and before you’re asked to sign the form you should be given full information about: 

• the type and extent of the treatment you are advised to have
• the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment
• any other treatments that may be available
• any significant risks or side effects of the treatment.

If you don’t understand what you’ve been told, let the staff know so they can explain again. Some cancer treatments are complex, so it’s not unusual to need repeated explanations. Having your partner or a friend or relative with you when the treatment is explained can help you to remember what’s been discussed. You may also find it useful to write down a list of questions before you go to your appointment.

You can always ask for more time to decide about the treatment if you feel that you can’t make a decision when it‘s first explained to you. You are also free to choose not to have the treatment. The staff can explain what this may mean for you and what alternatives there may be. It’s important to tell your doctor or the nurse in charge if you choose not to have a treatment. You don’t have to give a reason but it can help to let the staff know your concerns so they can give you the best advice.

Second opinion

Your MDT will work together as a team to decide on the most suitable treatment for you. Even so, you may want to have another medical opinion. Either your specialist or your GP should be willing to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion if you feel it will be helpful. Getting a second opinion may cause a delay in the start of your treatment, so you and your doctor need to be confident that it will give you useful information. If you do go for a second opinion, it may be a good idea to take a friend or relative with you, and have a list of questions ready so that you can make sure your concerns are covered during the discussion.