The spectrum of sex differences in cancer

Sex differences in cellular and systems biology have been evolutionarily selected to optimize reproductive success in all species with little (sperm) and big (ova) gamete producers. They are evident from the time of fertilization and accrue throughout development through genetic, epigenetic, and circulating sex hormone-dependent mechanisms. Among other effects, they significantly impact on chromatin organization, metabolism, cell cycle regulation, immunity, longevity, and cancer risk and survival. Sex differences in cancer should be expected and accounted for in basic, translational, and clinical oncology research.

Automated summary

Sex differences play a significant role in cellular and systems biology, impacting a wide range of biological processes such as chromatin organization, metabolism, cell cycle regulation, immunity, and longevity, as well as cancer risk and survival. It is important to account for these differences in cancer research.