Which of the following is true regarding male breast cancer?
**Core Concept**
Male breast cancer, although rare, accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases and is more common in older men, particularly those with a family history of breast cancer or mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The pathophysiology of male breast cancer is similar to that of female breast cancer, with the majority being estrogen receptor-positive (ER+).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Male breast cancer often presents as a painless, firm mass in the breast tissue, and a biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis. The treatment of male breast cancer typically involves surgery, followed by radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy, depending on the tumor characteristics. The prognosis for male breast cancer is generally better than that for female breast cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 84%.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Male breast cancer is more common in young men, particularly those with a history of radiation exposure. **Incorrect** because male breast cancer is more common in older men, not young men.
**Option B:** The majority of male breast cancers are triple-negative. **Incorrect** because the majority of male breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+).
**Option C:** Male breast cancer is often associated with genetic mutations in the TP53 gene. **Incorrect** because male breast cancer is more commonly associated with genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
**Option D:** Male breast cancer is rare in men with a family history of breast cancer. **Incorrect** because male breast cancer is more common in men with a family history of breast cancer.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key risk factor for male breast cancer is a family history of breast cancer, particularly in first-degree relatives. This is why men with a family history of breast cancer should undergo regular breast cancer screening.
**Correct Answer: B. The majority of male breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+).**