Yeah if you dont breed the females then they will get cancer, no idea why they just do.
As for biting, if they are handled enough they wont bite, we have found that a good pair of leather gardening gloves at first until you gain the confidence and know they wont nip you, works best.
Our close friends work their ferrets but its generally only the females that work and they keep the males to "service" the females, and they shouldnt be fierce.Also if they bite they do not let go if they do let go then its a nip.
They are awesome pets, sooo funny to watch playing. Having more than one is even more funny as they will all curl up together in one big ball. I'd easily have more if i didnt live in a flat.
They will need their enclosure VERY well made as they are the best escape artists and will get out of the tiniest holes and can open doors, its best to padlock to keep them in.
Our last ferret was from a family that worked them and honestly as long as your perfectly happy that they are well kept either should be fine.
We know a really good ferret rescue near the lincoln city area if your not too far away.
If you need any more info the ferrets for dummies book is the best one out there.
If you have any more qu let me know, we've had them for the last 11 yrs.