A pilot study to evaluate and explore the information and support offered to male breast cancer patients by breast care nurses

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore with the breast care nurse specialist (BCNS) their perspectives on the information and support offered to male patients with breast cancer. The BCNS role is to provide the patient with both verbal and written information, and they are viewed as a key resource for the patients during their cancer journey. A qualitative method was adopted that utilised semi-structured interviews with the BCNS. The questions were derived from reviewing the literature and the written information available for the male patients; identifying key areas to explore and then utilising open ended questions to collect the data in the interviews. After each interview the transcripts were analysed and coded and further questions were formulated. The findings illustrate that although there is some gender specific information given, this is limited and often directs the patient to literature designed specifically for women. It is therefore recommended that a more comprehensive gender specific booklet be designed for men with breast cancer. This article is an edited version of an undergraduate dissertation and as such can only convey the essence of the work.