Every October, the NFL goes pink for several games. They sell pink merchandise. The players wear pink cleats, pink gloves, and pink ribbons to show their support for those who have been affected by breast cancer. The NFL’s audience is mostly male. It is a male-dominated sport. Yet, they still do not recognize that men get breast cancer, too.
Ask yourself this question: How much does the NFL give to breast cancer research foundations? Nothing. But for every $100 that is spent on pink merchandise, $12.50 of it goes to the NFL and $11.25 goes to the American Cancer Society, which then goes to breast cancer research. So, it is a gray area. But clearly, the NFL could — and should — do more.
Each team needs to give up its television revenues for one game in October, and put that money toward helping women and men in their fights against cancer.
Consider this: (Boldface emphasis is mine.)
“The NFL split a massive $7.24 billion in revenue with all 32 teams last season. Each team received $226.4 million as part of the split, most of which comes from the various television deals.” Those numbers were reported by James Brady of SB Nation reported in July 2015.
Think about it. They could take 10% of that revenue, which is $724 million, each year to be used for breast cancer research. $724 million!
Add some blue, NFL!
So, before you get giddy about how the NFL is going all pink, remember that nothing is going to breast cancer research. They are lining their own pockets. And they likely never will add men to their awareness campaign.
Men get breast cancer, NFL! Add some blue!
Last year, Linda Girgis, MD, created an online petition to get the NFL to include men in their breast cancer awareness campaign. More than 6,000 people viewed the petition, but only 153 signed it. Why? I don’t get it. Because only 440 men are dying each year of breast cancer and that isn’t enough? Only 2,350 will be diagnosed, so it doesn’t matter?
It is time to be part of the solution and not be a bystander, while people of both sexes are increasingly dying from this horrible cancer.
Isn’t it time we stand up and let the world know that breast cancer doesn’t attack only women? Maybe the life saved will be your husband, father, or brother. So, sign the petition to go blue!.
Note: Breast Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Breast Cancer News, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to breast cancer.