(10/19/06) GARDEN CITY ? Many people overlook the fact that men can also develop breast cancer, and new research shows they can pass it to their female descendants.

Dr. Iuliana Shapira, of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, reports a certain genetic mutation makes some men and women susceptible to breast cancer. Specifically, if a man has the mutated gene and develops breast cancer, there is a chance he could pass it down to the females in his line. Suffolk Legislator Cameron Alden (R-Islip) is himself a breast cancer survivor and he echoes doctors? recommendations that men seek medical attention immediately if they find a lump.

The American Cancer Society reports approximately 1,500 men each year are diagnosed with breast cancer. They say male cases are often more advanced than female cases because men tend to ignore lumps when they are felt.