Remember: Men can get breast cancer, too

To the editor:

I'd like to extend a host of "bravos" to the Review-Journal editors and staff for the pink edition in support of breast cancer awareness. And kudos go to all the advertisers who helped make this special issue possible.

Breast cancer is a medical condition that strikes women in horrendous numbers and more than a few of my own loved ones have succumbed to its ravages.

Interesting and important articles were spread throughout the edition, yet I can't shake the distinct feeling something was missing: Not a single mention, anywhere, offering up the fact that men can be, and are, victims of this disease. Four-hundred men die from breast cancer each year. Miniscule compared to women, yes, but should they be ignored because of it?

On Aug. 9, msnbc.com posted a report, "Breast cancer patient denied coverage since he's a man," about males who have been denied medical coverage for this disease simply because they are men. That alone should have been worthy of inclusion.

I recently wrapped up a workshop production of my play, "Phallusies," which covers this among other important but rarely talked about medical and social issues known to affect the male population.

While thanks are due to all who contributed to the success of the paper's Pink Campaign, might I suggest an equally important edition? How about an issue filled with articles, printed on yellow paper, to bring awareness to the needs of victims of testicular, penile, prostate (the leading cause of cancer death in men) and, yes, breast cancer.

Paul Thornton

Las Vegas