In a recent study in Nature, the authors note the importance of the Y chromosome in cancer prognosis. They state:
The Y chromosome could explain why men are less likely than women to survive some cancers, according to studies that combine data from mice and humans. Two studies, both published on 21 June in Nature1,2, address cancers that are particularly aggressive in men: colorectal cancer and bladder cancer. One study finds that the loss of the entire Y chromosome in some cells — which occurs naturally as men age — raises the risk of aggressive bladder cancer and could allow bladder tumours to evade detection by the immune system2. The other finds that a particular Y-chromosome gene in mice raises the risk of some colorectal cancers spreading to other parts of the body1. Taken together, the two studies are a step towards understanding why so many cancers have a bias towards men, says Sue Haupt, a cancer researcher at the George Institute of Global Health in Sydney, Australia who was not involved with the work. “It’s becoming clear that it’s beyond lifestyle,” she says. “There is a genetic component.”
Basically sex as defined in genetic makeup is both a valid and impactful fact.
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