Letters

Cancer research support lopsided

Just read Cindy Hval’s article about October being the designated month for breast cancer awareness (Voices, Oct. 22). I am married and have two young adult daughters. Thankfully, the women in my wife’s and my family do not seem prone to breast cancer; a blessing.

However, I am compelled to file a question that has been plaguing me for several years. Women have been championing the fight against breast cancer for decades leading to major media attention and receipt of more research funds than any other devastating cancer.

Organizations considered more male-oriented, including the NFL, NASCAR, major corporations including automobile companies, and even the Postal Service, are active supporters, devoting time, media and money in support of the fight against breast cancer.

In essence, men have demonstrated through their actions that they are on board supporting the cause. I, for the life of me, am unable to learn of a single women’s organization which is doing anything similar and on par for prostate cancer, a disease which causes death, disfigurement and emotional anguish for as many or more men. It is beyond me that women are so gender-centric as to not take up the cause for the men in their lives.

I suppose this is a major contributor to the dramatic research investment disparity between breast and prostate cancer; approximately 8 to 1. All I can say is men clearly outshine the women in this country when it comes to caring for others.

Ronn King

Spokane