Gender shouldn't matter when it comes to treating breast cancer. Though breast cancer is less likely to occur for men, still, close to 2,000 men are diagnosed in the US each year. Raymond Johnson of South Carolina was denied coverage for breast cancer treatment by Medicaid on the grounds he's not female.

Male breast cancer, although less common, is no different than female breast cancer. In terms of prognosis, treatment, and the emotional effects, a diagnosis for a man carries the same weight as that for a woman. There is no scientific basis in refusing a man coverage simply because he is a man.

We have come a long way with gender equality, and not providing this man with the care he needs will only set us back — and more importantly, could have dire implications for his health.

Write to Medicaid Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D. demanding that he stop the discrimination and give men with breast cancer the coverage they need.