Breast Cancer Risk in Male Twins
Author Information
Author(s): Whiteman D C, Murphy M F G, Verkasalo P K, Page W F, Floderus B, Skytthe A, Holm N V
Primary Institution: ICRF General Practice Research Group, ICRF Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Hypothesis
In utero exposure to high levels of oestrogen increases the risk of male breast cancer.
Conclusion
The adverse influence of in utero oestrogen exposure on male breast cancer risk is likely to be small.
Supporting Evidence
- The study followed 115,235 male twins for over 3.5 million person-years.
- Only 11 cases of male breast cancer were observed compared to 16.16 expected.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at a lot of male twins to see if being exposed to high levels of a hormone before birth makes them more likely to get breast cancer, and they found it probably doesn't.
Methodology
Followed 115,235 male twins for more than 3.5 million person-years at risk.
Limitations
Only 11 cases of male breast cancer were observed, which is low.
Participant Demographics
Male twins from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.34–1.22
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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