Martial arts group joins fight to highlight disease (From Hereford Times)

Martial arts group joins fight to highlight disease

8:40am Sunday 3rd August 2008 in

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A GROUP of martial arts students from Hereford have joined a campaign to highlight the fact that breast cancer can affect men as well as women.

Karl Manuschka’s taek-won-do pupils completed a 100-minute sparring challenge for Breast Cancer Haven.

The £520 raised will help both sexes and a male breast cancer survivor was there to take part in the presentation.

Clive Perryman, of Holme Lacy, was one of 300 men who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.

Like the female equivalent, the causes are unknown, but obesity, genetics and high oestrogen levels have been cited.

Mr Perryman, aged 49, was diagnosed after a lump on his chest became inflamed and itchy.

He has since undergone treatment and is keen to highlight the condition and the work of Breast Cancer Haven.

“At the time I thought it was quite strange, as I didn’t realise that men could get breast cancer,” he said.

“I was signposted from the hospital to the Haven where I found more information and it just went from there. I think they’ve been fantastic.”

Mr Manuschka – who runs classes near the charity’s St Owen’s Street home – was thanked for his donation by charity worker, Sharon Organ.

“Karl said to me he was aware of breast cancer, but not that men could get it,” she said.

“We have to highlight the fact that breast cancer affects men as well as women, and this was a good way of doing it.”

For more information about Hereford Breast Cancer Haven, call 01432 361050.