Pittsburgh Komen Race for the Cure on Mother's Day 2008: 36,000 participants

Father's Day 5K/10K Run and Walk 2008: 1,700 participants

Cause for Race for the Cure: Breast cancer

Cause for Father's Day 5K/10K: Prostate cancer

Number of women diagnosed every year with breast cancer: 182,460

Number of men diagnosed every year with prostate cancer: 186,320

You might say this looks like a case of fuzzy math, but no matter how you look at it, the numbers don't add up.

If more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, why isn't there more participation in this local event that raises money for free prostate cancer screenings for men? Much of the local proceeds for the Race for the Cure also go for free breast cancer screenings for women.

True, the 16-year Race for the Cure has a longer track record here and has national support from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Dallas.

The Father's Day event on the North Shore celebrated just its seventh year yesterday, although it has a Steeler connection: Proceeds benefit the Obediah Cole Foundation for Prostate Cancer, which was founded by former Steeler and prostate cancer Robin Cole in honor of his father. The foundation's mission is education, awareness and early detection.

Here's an early plug to get involved in the event next year for Father's Day. One of the few 10Ks (6.2 miles) offered in the region, the race also includes a 5K and 1-mile fun walk. The race course along the riverfront trail on the North Shore is flat and comes with a gorgeous view. The longer course takes you to Washington's Landing and back. All in all, it makes for a wonderful day to spend with dad.

You can learn more about the event at www.fathersday5k.com.

Even though the Father's Day race is over, free screenings to detect prostate cancer are available. One in six men has a risk of prostate cancer and men over the age of 40 should get a simple blood test once a year. For a free screening, call 412-572-6830.

First Published: June 16, 2008, 5:00 p.m.