To try to get some answers, Smith talked with Dr. Sandra Swain, director of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center at Georgetown University Hospital's Lombardi Cancer Center. During their conversation, she offhandedly suggested that he form a group for men. That was the beginning. More than nine months ago, Smith quit his job as an Army personnel administrator to devote himself full-time to the Men's Crusade Against Breast Cancer. While disinterest is a large obstacle to involing men, Smith says embarrassment is also part of the problem.
Men usually think of breasts in sexual terms.
They often have a hard time talking about private parts of female anatomy. Many women are also reluctant to welcome men into a battle they have fought for so long. Last year, Smith attended the annual meeting of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and was surprised to find only three other men among the 350 delegates attending. He says he often felt he had to earn the respect and trust of the women he met. Frey agrees that many women question men's motives.