Tumours in Rats: a question

[adoptaratcanada]

I always read posts in different rat groups about mammary tumours but haven't paid alot of attention because I've had only boy rats. I realize alot of us post to groups and forums (should that be 'fora'?) when we have a situation on our hands, so it would create the impression (rightly or wrongly) that rats will inevitably get a serious illness. I guess that makes 2 questions...first, is this a fair picture of the rattie world?

By extension, a relative newbie like myself would have the impression that females getting mammary tumours is just a given. And not only that, but they will likely keep recurring even after surgery. In fact, I had resolved not to adopt females given everything I've read. Am I over-reacting?

Thanks everyone!

Linda