Due to their intimate nature, certain cancers — such as prostate, cervical, colorectal, ovarian, testicular and bladder tumors — are sometimes difficult for people to discuss. This silence has made it harder for these diseases to garner the attention and funding needed to find cures.

To help increase awareness of these cancers, City of Hope is introducing the Underwear Affair: the nation’s first-of-its-kind afternoon 10k run and 5k walk raising funds for below-the-waist cancer treatment and research. The Los Angeles event will take place Aug. 2.

Designed to be fun and light-hearted, the Underwear Affair encourages participants to dress in jogging uniforms, long johns or even their favorite pair of boxers. The afternoon run and walk are followed by an early evening after-party featuring food, live entertainment and music, all provided to celebrate participants’ accomplishments.

Cancer statistics underscore the importance of the Underwear Affair. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States, and the leading cause of cancer death among men is prostate cancer. Yet, their significance is often overshadowed by society’s reluctance to talk about these diseases.

“Twenty-five years ago, few people would talk about breast cancer. Today advocacy groups and events around the world — including our own Walk for Hope — raise awareness and many millions of dollars annually to combat the disease,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer of City of Hope.

The Underwear Affair aims to do the same. By drawing public attention to the need for research funding, City of Hope can help speed better treatments to patients, organizers said.

To register or learn more about the Underwear Affair, please visit www.uncoverthecure.org.