I'VE heard that men can get breast cancer as well as women, how can this be possible?

Breast cancer is often thought of as a condition that only affects women, but men can also develop it. However, it is much less common in men than women, with only around one new case of breast cancer diagnosed for every 100,000 men (about 350 to 400 cases) in the UK each year.

The cancer develops in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples.

The most common symptom is a hard, painless lump in one of the breasts. However, the vast majority of breast lumps are caused by a non-cancerous condition called gynaecomastia.

Breast cancer in men can also cause the nipple to turn in on itself or nipple discharge.

In most cases, surgery is used to remove the cancer, along with a section of the breast. This may be followed by a long-term course of hormone-blocking therapy using medication, usually a drug called tamoxifen.

In some cases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used for the same purpose.

There's a reduced awareness of the condition in men so it may take longer to diagnose and the survival rates for breast cancer in men largely depend on how far the cancer has spread before it's diagnosed.

MY legs keep twitching and I can't sleep at night too well – is this restless leg syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs.

It can also cause an unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves and thighs.

The sensation is often worse in the evening or at night.

Restless legs syndrome is also associated with involuntary jerking of the legs and arms, known as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).

In the majority of cases, there's no obvious cause of restless legs syndrome but it can run in families. Some neurologists believe the symptoms of restless legs syndrome may have something to do with how the body handles a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is involved in controlling muscle movement and may be responsible for the involuntary leg movements associated with restless legs syndrome. In some cases, restless legs syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure.

There's also a link with pregnancy with around 1 in 5 women experiencing symptoms in the last three months of their pregnancy, although it's not clear exactly why this is.

As many as 1 in 10 people are affected by restless legs syndrome at some point in their life. The symptoms of restless legs syndrome will usually disappear if it's possible to address an underlying cause.

WHAT is Kyphosis?

Everyone has a slightly curved spine but Kyphosis is an abnormal curving that causes the top of the back to appear hunched.

In mild cases of Kyphosis, there will be no other symptoms. More severe cases can associated with back pain and tenderness. Very severe cases can cause difficulties with breathing or eating.

A physical examination by your GP can confirm an abnormal curve in the spine. They may ask you to do simple exercises or lie down in order to confirm the diagnosis. Some curved spines are associated with back posture and can be corrected by sitting correctly and exercising to strengthen the back.

Treatment depends on the type of Kyphosis, and whether the curve in the spine is causing pain or any other symptoms. Surgery is not usually required, unless Kyphosis is severe. Children with Kyphosis may find their symptoms improve by the use of a back brace.