Topic of Cancer

How the disease affects our readers—and how they fight back with charity.

June 2, 2011

Why do you think running and cancer-related causes are so deeply connected?
Both show the need to hang tough under challenging circumstances 42%
Running can help a person deal with the challenges of cancer 14%
Cancer is a global problem and running is a global sport 14%
Running can cure cancer 1%
Running events are an easy way to raise money to combat cancer 23%
Other 6%

Do you currently have cancer?
Yes 5%
No 95%

After your diagnosis, how long was it before you could return to running?
I never stopped 59%
Less than six months 18%
Seven to 12 months 8%
13 to 24 months 2%
More than 24 months 4%
I have not yet resumed running 8%

Have you ever had cancer?
Yes 12%
No 88%

When you had cancer, were you able to run while having it?
Yes, to some extent 75%
No, not at all 25%

If you are now cancer-free, how much of a role do you believe running played in your recovery?
A major role 48%
Somewhat of a role 31%
It played no role 20%

Do you think running can prevent cancer?
Yes 20%
No 33%
Maybe 47%

1% of respondents think running can cause cancer

Does someone in your immediate family have cancer?
Yes 39%
No 61%

68% of respondents have run in a charity race that benefited cancer research

Of respondents who have run in a charity race that benefited cancer research:
72% are female
63% are male

What was your primary motivation for participating?
Personal diagnosis of cancer 10%
A friend or family member had been diagnosed with cancer or died of cancer 53%
To gain access to a sold-out race (such as the New York City Marathon) 0%
A desire to help the cause 19%
No specific reason 13%
Other 4%

Percent of respondents who participate in one to three races a year to benefit a cancer charity: 86%

Average amount respondents raised themselves through cancer-related running events over the course of their running career: $887

Do you feel comfortable asking people to donate money to a cancer charity?
Yes 58%
No 42%

Have you ever donated money to people running for a cancer-related cause?
Yes 65%
No 35%

Average annual amount respondents donated to runners who run for cancer-related causes/research: $97

Do you ever get annoyed when fellow runners ask you for money to support cancer-related causes?
Yes 4%
Sometimes 15%
No 59%
I have never been asked to donate 22%

Have you ever joined a cancer-related running team (such as Team in Training or Dana Farber)?
Yes 17%
No 83%

What is the most important reason for joining a cancer-related running team like Team In Training or Dana Farber?
To raise money for a cause I support 71%
To gain access to a sold-out race 3%
To benefit from professional training advice 7%
To run with a like-minded community 14%
Other 5%

Do you believe there are too many cancer-related races?
Yes 11%
No 89%

Do you worry that there are too many charity runners in limited-entry races such as the New York or Boston marathons?
Yes 26%
No 74%