Why do Breast cancer charities/sponsorships ignore men?

Question

As far as my understanding was, men (although much more unlikely than women) can still get breast cancer.

Why then are certain charity runs/events 'Women only'?

Answer 1

A lot of them do but more and more of the breast cancer charities are becoming aware that men need to be aware and are doing research into breast cancer in men, the Run for Life breast cancer charity allows men to run on their behalf, it really annoys me that its so in your face about it been aimed at women all the time, I lost my mom to breast cancer and I have a male cousin who is in the throws of chemotherapy for it now, men do get breast cancer as rare as they think it is it should really be made more aware to all men and not just women.

Answer 2

It's questions like this that make people more alert to the real issues. HAVE A STAR!
Breast Cancer Awareness is the key.
October is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month and October 18th is Avon's Annual Wear Pink Day. I'm sure this supports your claim however Awareness is Awareness and we should get it out there any way available. The money that goes to the cause is there to support the cause not just the Females that get it. There are walks and races and many other events that support Breast Cancer Awareness.
For Foundation Products and Fund-raising information see >www.youravon.com/clott< no links allowed please type the address in your address bar.
Please wear pink.
I know it's not masculine but the color pink and the pink ribbon is, I think, the most well known symbols at this time.

Answer 3

In the UK 46,000 women and 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, so yes it is a predominantly female condition. This explains why most information etc is directed at women.

But yes, men need to be aware that as they too have breast tissue, they too can get breast cancer. The more those men who get breast cancer talk about it the better.

Cancer Research UK's Race for Life is in fact for women only, but it is not a breast cancer event.

Answer 4

As you quite rightly stated, mens breast cancer is a relatively rare occurance.There are far more life threatening 'male' cancers that require public attention such as testicle cancer and prostate cancer, resources are put in these areas rather than the one you mentioned. The reason why the charity events are women only is obvious as outlined earlier..the majority of people who get breast cancer are women, and therefore it is targeted at this group.

Answer 5

The most famous run in the UK no doubt is Cancer Research's "Race for life" while it is targeted towards women there is no stipulation that a man can not join in, they are not actually "women only".

Though as you said, it is much more unlikely for a man to be affected directly by breast cancer, which most likely therein lies the answer, it doesn't help to dispel the misconception that men can't get breast cancer though.

Answer 6

How wrong you are.I'm a lady that was diagnosed back in March 2005.Breast cancer is possible in men, and there are forum with male only sections.Breast cancer in men is very rare, but there is help, support and advice for them too.It's just because it is so rare, and many men that do have it are embarrassed to talk about it that we don't hear much about it.I go to cancer conferences and I've learnt a lot.
I have also seen some cancer events with families (including husbands) running.
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=1405

http://www.checkemlads.com/?gclid=CLyf8ZPm744CFQ1OMAoduDk2KQ

Answer 7

Good point, Mike......I guess because it is just a lot more prevalent in women. In saying that I have never heard of a "women only" chairty, and a lot of males where I live (Australia) participate in charity runs and events for breast cancer.....heck, they even don the pink for the cause

Answer 8

This year the US over 200,000 women got breast cancer,men 1,700, in the UK 42,000 women got breast cancer,men 300.We are aware that men get breast cancer and have the same treatment as women,but i think the figures speak for themselves.

Answer 9

I beg to differ with you sir, I do not think the Breast Cancer Charities ignore or refuse help to men having Beast Cancer. The affected patient or his relative should explain this to the authorities and they will certainly help men also. The events and charities focus Women because they get breast cancer more.

You should know the facts of getting breast cancer by men and women. Please read -

Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast cancer. Although women have many more breast cells than men, the main reason they develop more breast cancer is because their breast cells are constantly exposed to the growth-promoting effects of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Men can develop breast cancer, but this disease is about 100 times more common among women than men.

Even though men do not have breasts like women, they do have a small amount of breast tissue. In fact, the "breasts" of an adult man are similar to the breasts of a girl before puberty, and consist of a few ducts surrounded by breast and other tissue. In girls, this tissue grows and develops in response to female hormones, but in men -- who do not secrete the same amounts of these hormones -- this tissue does not develop.

However, because it is still breast tissue, men can develop breast cancer. In fact, men get the same types of breast cancers that women do, although cancers involving the milk-producing and storing regions of the breast are very rare.

Breast cancer in men is a very rare disease. This is possibly due to their smaller amount of breast tissue and the fact that men produce smaller amounts of hormones like estrogen that are known to affect breast cancers in women.-

Answer 10

My male friend lost a breast through cancer, all the leaflets the hospital sent him home with were aimed at women, ie telling you not to wear tight bras and blouses ! My friend said he never wears his bras tight !!!!