breast cancer – Page 2 – The NEN

Men’s Health Week: Breaking Taboos

Men diagnosed with breast cancer share experiences

During Men’s Health Week, men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer met up to raise awareness. For many of them, it was the first time they had met another man who had been treated for the disease.

These men are part of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk’s Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign, which includes 24 men.

Men’s Health Week is about encouraging men to be aware of how they can improve their health and to highlight the various symptoms that they should look out for. Breast cancer in men does not feature high on the list – in fact, ask most men and they will tell you that they do not check their chests and many don’t even know that men can get breast cancer.

The signs to look out for are an inverted nipple, a lump behind the nipple, a discharge, reddening or skin dimpling.

For more details of how men should check their chest, click here for a poster specially created by the men and Walk the Walk. Tips include standing in front of a mirror and checking the chest area whilst in the shower.

Mark Winter from Tunbridge Wells was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. He said: “Until today at the Men Get Breast Cancer Too event I hadn’t met any other men with breast cancer.

“I found it fascinating and actually amazing to have the opportunity to share experiences and talk openly about my breast cancer diagnosis. It has made me realise that the feelings I have been experiencing are the same as other men, I am not on my own.

“For me it was also about seeing that men who have had breast cancer in the past and are still doing well.”

Pam Cleveland from Newark, Nottinghamshire attended today’s gathering with her husband Neil. Both of them have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pam said: “Neil’s never opened up to anybody since he was diagnosed with breast cancer and now he’s opening up so much to these other men, about something which they all have in common.

“I’ve even heard him acknowledge today how hard his diagnosis was for me as his partner and he’s never said that before. Having had breast cancer myself, I’ve experienced both sides of the story. Women do talk to each other more, but now Walk the Walk’s campaign is giving the men the platform to talk too, to share their experiences and to help each other with their unanswered questions.”

Tracey Crouch, the MP for Chatham and Aylesford recently finished her own treatment for breast cancer and is giving her support to the Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign. She said: “I have used my platform as a politician to encourage people, both women and men, to check their chests.

“I understand how uncomfortable speaking out about breast cancer can be, which is why I have absolute admiration for these men. Working with Walk the Walk they are going out of their comfort zone to literally help save lives. It is also great to see that several charities are working in collaboration to support these amazing men”.

To find out more about Walk the Walk’s Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign, go to https://walkthewalk.org/about-us/men-get-breast-cancer-too

Walking to the disco beat at the Virtual MoonWalk Scotland!

With a fun disco theme, fantastic fundraisers turned out in force to Walk the Walk on the streets of Scotland and across the UK on Saturday 12th June, during the first ever Virtual MoonWalk Scotland!

Streets were awash with colourful psychedelic costumes, sparkle and glitter as these amazing walkers put on their boogie walking shoes and took on challenges between 6 and 52 miles in their own areas.

For the first time, The MoonWalk, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, took place during daylight. Walkers wearing the iconic Walk the Walk bra t-shirts, many with their decorated bras attached to their bumbags, raised an incredible amount of awareness in local communities as they were greeted on the streets by well-wishers!

All the men taking part wore a specially created Men Get Breast Cancer Too t-shirt, with a blue checked bra emblazoned on the front, playing their part ahead of Men’s Health Week.

Walk the Walk is about having fun, raising awareness and raising money. The event brought fun and laughter to thousands, as the walkers brightened up neighbourhoods.

Funds raised will be granted towards the mental and physical support of those living with cancer, to help where possible with the devastating impact that cancer patients have experienced throughout the pandemic.

Kate Brook from Tranent was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020 and completed the 13.1 mile Half Moon with Kate’s Dream Team, including her husband Matt and local friends.

Kate (back row, second from left) said: “The Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, where I continue to receive treatment, has benefitted from grants from Walk the Walk and many a time I have looked at their plaque in the waiting room and promised myself that, when I was better, I would be part of The MoonWalk again.

“Today has been amazing – it’s been a real focus for me during my treatment and it has not disappointed – super company, lovely scenery and lots of support from people along the way! We are all delighted to have raised so much money and awareness”.

Tricia Young from Edinburgh completed her 14th MoonWalk Scotland, walking the 26.2 mile Full Moon. She said: “It was so much fun taking part in the Virtual MoonWalk, I was delighted that this year’s event still happened.

“Since my sister sadly died from breast cancer in 2013, I’ve been really motivated by her memory and the fact that we need to keep on raising awareness of breast cancer. I was walking on my own, but it was wonderful to bump into several other MoonWalkers on the streets of Edinburgh.

“The kindness of local people was so touching – one lady in Portobello even offered me the use of her toilet! I am thrilled to raise so much money too for such a deserving cause, I’ll keep on taking part as long as I can”.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “Whilst we would just love to be at Holyrood Park, hugging our intrepid challengers as they cross the Finish Line, it was not to be this year.

“It is incredibly positive that our first Virtual MoonWalk Scotland has encouraged Walkers and fundraisers across Scotland to take part, as well as people from across the length and breadth of the UK, and indeed countries across the world.

“Well-wishers and supporters on the streets of local communities have been incredibly generous, with much needed fundraising for those living with cancer.

“For many, the focus of training, and preparing for this day, has been an absolute life saver. Once again regular walking has proven to be a lifeline for mental and physical well-being during the ongoing uncertainty of Covid.

“We thank all our fundraisers for raising much needed funds and look forward to being back at Holyrood next year with a live MoonWalk Scotland”!

To register your interest for The MoonWalk Scotland 2022, go to:

www.walkthewalk.org

Thousands go ‘Out of this World’ for the Virtual MoonWalk

Thousands of women, men and children accomplished their mission to complete the Virtual MoonWalk London yesterday (Saturday 15th May)!

For the first time, the iconic MoonWalk, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, took place during daylight, with walkers taking on challenges between 6 and 52 miles in their own areas.

Embracing an “Out of this World” space theme, they raised awareness and money for vital cancer causes, while walking through villages, towns and cities across the UK and beyond.

At The MoonWalks during normal times, women and men proudly wear decorated bras as they take on their Midnight challenges. For the Virtual MoonWalk, walkers carried on the tradition by decorating their bras and many wore them attached to their bumbags.

To mark the occasion, a special bra has been created by Boadicea Design in collaboration with UK Space Agency, the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and signed by astronaut Tim Peake. It is based on the Sokul Suit which is worn by astronauts going up to the International Space Station.

Tim Peake said: “There may be more in common between Walk the Walk and space than you might think. On the International Space Station, we have been researching cancer therapies such as microencapsulation – enabling targeted delivery for effective treatment and fewer side effects. Walk the Walk is a fantastic charity and I’m delighted to support them in their valuable work.”

Now that restrictions are slowly lifting and people are allowed to walk together in small groups, the Virtual MoonWalk was the first opportunity that many had to meet up and walk with friends.

Sara Mudhar from Nuneaton said: “The Divas walked The MoonWalk London in 2019 and had an amazing time. Two years later and we’re finally reunited and walking a MoonWalk again, although it’s not quite the same as being with thousands of other MoonWalkers walking through the night.

“It has been a brilliant day, walking round Rutland Water together, meeting other MoonWalkers and the support from the public has been amazing. How wonderful to do something normal and raising money and awareness for breast cancer at the same time”.

Lin Carey has been taking part in The MoonWalk for more than ten years with the Silsoe Calendar Girls team, walking this year’s event on the streets of Bedfordshire. She said: “Every year is different, it’s always tough but we support each other and, no matter what, we cross the line together.

“I’m a breast cancer survivor, 22 years now, which I find incredible, and I’m very grateful for my treatment and the funds that made it possible. I was lucky, not everyone is.

“We’ve lost friends and family along the way and some are still struggling which is why we keep on walking. We’re relieved to have the opportunity to take part in The MoonWalk again this year – albeit virtually – and turning heads with our decorated bras”!

Jenny Strathern completed her Virtual MoonWalk in Uganda. She said: “I’m thrilled to finish the Virtual MoonWalk London, a goal I set myself to support a cause close to my heart.

“Here in Uganda, I really felt as though I was uniting against cancer and united in spirit with everyone else pounding the streets or lanes across the UK and far further afield. After some heavy rain, the sun finally came out as I walked with some wonderfully supportive friends who tramped through the last muddy kilometres towards our goal, an old swimming pool in the north east corner of the sugar estate where we live.

“My message to Walk the Walk is to continue to do the wonderful work you do and be encouraged by the difference all our combined efforts can make. We are united against breast cancer despite the miles that separate us!”

Gordon McLagan from Livingston, West Lothian said: “I walked with my sons Christopher and Peter in memory of my sister Linda who we sadly lost to breast cancer in 2017.

“We were planning to do The MoonWalk London in 2020, but due to it being postponed and the recent relaxation of travel restrictions we were able to meet-up in Manchester. Despite the rain, what an enjoyable marathon we have had, it has been wonderful to spend time with the boys”.

Walk the Walk the Walk’s Ambassador, actress Harriet Thorpe took part in the Virtual MoonWalk London, with friends including TV and Radio presenter Gaby Roslin and actor Tom Read Wilson.

She said: “It was an absolute joy to be out walking through London with friends and family again, cheering on other MoonWalkers along the way with a virtual high-five, and even finding time for a sing-song, all to support the work of this wonderful charity.

“Who could ask for anything more?! A welcome taste of normality: and let’s hope we’re all back together in our thousands next year!”

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “With so much continuing uncertainty, late last year, Walk the Walk decided to hold a Virtual MoonWalk. We had no idea if it would work, or if it would be successful, we just wanted to promise this special day, without risk of it being cancelled.

“So, today is a day for celebration, with women, men and children walking and fundraising all over the country and indeed the world. As we could not actually be with all our amazing MoonWalkers, the Walk the Walk Team spent today phoning as many walkers as possible, to support them, and to share their journey.

“We heard the most inspirational and heart-warming stories, MoonWalkers meeting fellow MoonWalkers, giving virtual high-fives and uniting with our very special Walk the Walk camaraderie……it has been truly wonderful!”

The Virtual MoonWalk London is on its way to reaching its £1 million target. The money will be granted to help support frontline cancer charities.

To register your interest for The MoonWalk London 2022, go to: www.walkthewalk.org

Fundraisers Walk to the disco beat as they unite to raise £1 million!

The iconic MoonWalk Scotland is going virtual on 12 June 2021!

Whilst walkers may not be uniting in Holyrood Park and swathing Edinburgh in pink for this year’s MoonWalk, they will be taking its kaleidoscope of colours and funky disco theme far and wide, as people of all ages and abilities step out into towns and villages across Scotland and the UK.

With four different Power Walking distances – 6.55 miles/ 13.1 miles/ 26.2 miles/ 52.4 miles – there really is something for everyone, from the absolute novice to the ardent walker, all Walking towards raising £1 million for cancer.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, organisers of the MoonWalk said: “The MoonWalk Scotland is such an iconic highlight of Walk the Walk’s year, creating an incredible buzz across Edinburgh and filling the streets of the city with colour and fun.

“For the health and safety of our supporters and fundraisers, we’re unable to meet at Holyrood Park this year, but Covid-19 cannot stop cancer, and it’s not stopping us. I’m just so excited that we are gathering such wonderful support and that supporters are uniting in their own areas, for our first daytime Virtual MoonWalk Scotland.

“We are thrilled that fundraisers can now walk together in small groups, creating the wonderful camaraderie that brings, and to help raise £1 million of much needed funds.

“Due to the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on those living with cancer, this will allow us to continue providing vital support where it is needed most, to frontline cancer services.

“Thanks to walkers putting one foot in front of the other, we’ll be able to make more grants to charities like Cancer Support Scotland, who received £20,000 from Walk the Walk to fund their vital online support services.

“We know that many people doing a little bit can be a powerful force …so let’s generate that power across Scotland and the UK in true Walk the Walk spirit!”

So look out for MoonWalkers on June 12th, who will be wearing the unique Walk the Walk ‘Bra T-shirts’, and creating an inspirational movement across the country!

Walkers are being encouraged to decorate their disco-themed decorated bras, and attach them to their bum bags as a sign of unity and support as they take on their challenges.

Walking has often been described as almost the perfect form of exercise. It can build overall fitness at any age, help maintain mental and physical wellbeing, including weight loss, as well as being a great aid to prevention against disease.

With gyms and leisure centres forced to close during the pandemic, many people have started walking for the first time, and realising not only how much they enjoy it, but the many benefits that it holds. Walking is one of the most flexible forms of exercise around – just step out of your front door and go!

Whilst The MoonWalk is traditionally held overnight, as Walk the Walk is not there to look after everyone, this year there will be various start times during the day, to be confirmed closer to the date.

All walkers and supporters should observe government social distancing guidelines during their own Virtual MoonWalk Scotland.

To sign up for The Virtual MoonWalk Scotland or to make a donation go to:

walkthewalk.org

Jog for Jugs team sets new target

Jog for Jugs, the viral campaign raising breast cancer awareness and funds for the charity CoppaFeel!, has smashed its cheeky new target of £8,008 within just five days of the campaign going live.

Founder Becky Chapple (28), a regional manager for Amazon, and her fellow ‘Titty Committee’ have now ramped up the target to an ambitious new total of £18,008.

Since its launch on Saturday, the campaign has spread like wildfire, with over 450 participants now contributing to the JustGiving page and nominating their friends to do the same. As Jog for Jugs’ original target of £1,000 was hit in just two short hours, Becky is confident that the new target can also be reached:

“We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who has already donated, and we’re beyond excited to see what happens next”, she said. When we originally planned the campaign over a socially-distanced glass or two of wine, £8,008 going towards CoppaFeel! was our wildest dream.

“To reach that number in just five days is beyond anything we expected, and we’re hopeful that as more joggers nominate their friends, we’ll hit our new target. We’ve been thrilled to see so many ‘Check Yourselfies’ – for us, the really important thing is that everyone learns how to check their boobs or pecs for changes, and does so regularly.”

Jog for Jugs launched last Saturday (10th April) with a video starring national treasure Lorraine Kelly and a host of other famous faces including Lee McKenzie, Emma-Louise Connolly and Joanna Vanderham. Since then, the video has been widely shared across social media and has been viewed a massive 110,000 times.

The idea for the campaign emerged as during lockdown, Becky received the unfortunate news that her mum Susan had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, the signs were caught early, and swift treatment has meant that her future looks bright. However, after researching the disease over the course of her mum’s treatment, Becky discovered that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lives, and that regardless of gender everybody should be checking themselves regularly.

Becky and her friends devised Jog for Jugs to shine a spotlight on the issue and to help reduce the stigma of talking about boobs.

Participants are encouraged to jog/walk/cycle/swim/SUP 8km, to donate £8 to the dedicated JustGiving page, to nominate 8 pals to do the same and – most importantly – to share a ‘Check Yourselfie’ on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #JogforJugs, to represent getting into the habit of regularly checking boobs or pecs for concerning changes.

The campaign is particularly timely due to the recent news that 2 in 5 people have been too scared to visit their doctor due to Covid-19, and CoppaFeel! is deeply concerned that this will result in a flurry of late-stage diagnoses once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.

To donate to the Jog for Jugs Campaign please visit

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogforjugs

and follow the journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Jog for Jugs founder sets cheeky new fundraising goal after busting original target in under two hours

Bosom buddies now aim to reach milestone of £8008 as star-studded social media campaign goes viral

From Dundee to Dubai and New York to New Zealand, Jog for Jugs – the new charity campaign that launched on Saturday – has captured the imaginations of social media users across the globe.

With over 40,000 views in just 24 hours, the tongue-in-cheek launch video, starring a host of Scottish celebs including Lorraine Kelly and Emma Louise Connelly, has been shared far and wide as participants helped spread the word to raise breast cancer awareness.

Jog for Jugs’ original target of £1000 for breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! was smashed in under two hours of the campaign going live, and the team has now upped the ante by aiming to reach £8008 (to represent ‘BOOB’) within the next four weeks.

The campaign has been a labour of love for a group of ‘boomerang buddies’ who have temporarily moved back to their hometown of Dundee after over a decade of living elsewhere, to support each other, friends and family through the pandemic.

During lockdown, Becky Chapple (28), a Regional Manager for Amazon, received the unfortunate news that her mum Susan had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, the signs were caught early, and swift treatment has meant that her future looks bright.

However, after researching the disease over the course of her mum’s treatment, Becky discovered that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lives, and that regardless of gender everybody should be checking themselves regularly.

Becky and her friends devised the Jog for Jugs campaign to shine a spotlight on the issue and to help reduce the stigma of talking about boobs.

Participants in the campaign are encouraged to jog/walk/cycle/swim/SUP (any way they can move their body) 8km, to donate £8 to the dedicated JustGiving page and to nominate 8 pals to do the same and – most importantly – to share a ‘check yourselfie’ on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #JogForJugs, to represent getting into the habit of regularly checking boobs or pecs for concerning changes.

Becky commented: “Those who know me know that I am very rarely lost for words, but on Sunday evening as I reflected on all of the craziness and kindness of our launch weekend, I was genuinely speechless.

“Our close-knit Jog for Jugs committee has been working on the campaign development for a couple of months now and we all thought we had a nice concept. However, we couldn’t have imagined that it would reach so many people in so little time.

“Our minds are totally blown and there aren’t enough words in the world to convey my thanks to each and every person who has donated or spread the word about Jog For Jugs so far.

“After such a challenging year for everyone, it really does show that light can come from the darkest of places. Our ambitious new target of £8008 would make such a tangible difference to the fabulous folks at CoppaFeel! who have suffered from a dip in donations due to Covid-19. I hope, with a lot of help from our friends, that we can achieve it.’

To donate to the Jog for Jugs Campaign please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogforjugs

You can follow the journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

JOG FOR JUGS: Lorraine Kelly launches breast cancer campaign

Jog for Jugs, a new campaign aimed at raising awareness and money for breast cancer officially launches today (Saturday 10^th April) in a bid to encourage men, women and non-binary individuals to check themselves so that cancers can be caught and treated early.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1380777723744899074

A star-studded, tongue-in-cheek, video to promote the campaign, introduced by the nation’s sweetheart, Lorraine Kelly and featuring other Scottish personalities including model Emma-Louise Connolly, actress Joanna Vanderham and presenter Lee McKenzie, has been released to mark the launch.

Inspired by her mum’s courageous response to her own breast cancer diagnosis last August, Dundonian, Becky Chapple hopes to encourage others to check themselves regularly and seek medical support straight away if anything feels abnormal.

Becky commented: “Throughout the pandemic, fewer and fewer people have been visiting the doctor when they find concerning changes to their boobs or pecs which is a real and worrying problem.

“Jog for Jugs is our small way of first and foremost encouraging everyone to check themselves, then jogging or walking 8km to raise vital funds for CoppaFeel!, a brilliant charity which raises awareness of breast cancer in young people and the importance of early detection.”

Jog for Jugs will be promoted across social media, with participants encouraged to jog or walk 8km, donate £8 to CoppaFeel!, check their boobs or pecs and nominate 8 friends to do the same by sharing a selfie of themselves with their hand on their chest and tagging their pals’ social handles.

The number ‘8’ symbolizes the devastating statistic that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Becky added: “While we are, of course, hoping to raise some vital funds for CoppaFeel! the campaign is more about awareness than anything else.

“We want people to know all of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and we specifically want to dispel the myth that if lumps are painful, they’re unlikely to be cancerous – any unusual changes are worth getting checked out.

“My family feel very fortunate that mum discovered her cancer early and we want to give everyone else the chance to do the same by spotting any changes in their boobs and seeking medical advice, regardless of lockdown.”

CoppaFeel! aims to ensure that all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible by educating people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encouraging them to check regularly and instilling the confidence to seek medical referral if they detect abnormalities.

Currently 5% of diagnosed cases are already at stage IV with breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 30 in the UK (181 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths annually). CoppaFeel! is the third most recognized breast cancer charity amongst young people and those aware of CoppaFeel! are 58% more likely to check their boobs regularly than those not aware.

The charity’s recent research showing that a worrying 2 in 5 young people are avoiding contact with the NHS due to coronavirus, prove that normalising chest checking and empowering young people to speak to their doctors about any concerns has never been more important.

Katie from CoppaFeel!, commented, “We are thrilled to be supported by the Jog For Jugs campaign. The work that Becky and her friends in the team have put into this project is truly inspirational, and the awareness and funds it will raise in aid of CoppaFeel! will help us in our mission to stamp out the late detection of breast cancer.

“The generous support of everyone involved will make a huge difference to our work in educating and empowering young people. After such a trying year, it is important now more than ever to spread awareness of the importance of getting to know your body, checking regularly and speaking to your GP if you notice any concerning changes.”

To donate to the Jog For Jugs Campaign please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogforjugs

and follow the journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Cancer couldn’t stop Ellie chasing her nursing ambition

Courageous student gets her degree and the job of her dreams

A former prison officer and bank worker whose eyes were opened to the possibilities of a career in nursing by her own serious illness has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University.

Ellie Lamb was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer five years ago while working at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian.

Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she struggled to keep up with the demands of the prison job, and decided to retrain as a nurse – partly motivated by the quality of care she had herself received in hospital.

Ellie completed a distance learning Higher in human biology to add to her earlier HND in psychology and criminology, and, armed with these qualifications, she was accepted at Edinburgh Napier in 2017. However, her path to a Bachelor of Nursing degree in adult nursing, which she successfully completed this week, has been far from plain sailing.

Last year she was re-diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, leading to more chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but she refused to abandon her summer placement with a West Lothian district nursing team.

Mother-of-three Ellie, 49, of Armadale, said: “Apart from the time off to have my treatment I never missed a day, and I also developed a love for wound management. By the end of my placement I was given a run of my own, attending patients with minor injuries.

“I often thought about giving up – it was hard, with the treatment, my placement, and my family and study commitments. I was exhausted and in so much pain but my love of nursing and my desire to carry on and get my degree drove me on.”

This year’s Covid-19 pandemic brought fresh concerns. As a shielded patient, Ellie had to seek special permission to complete a ‘low-risk’ community hospital placement to remain on target to graduate.

Now she has been rewarded for her outstanding courage and perseverance with both a degree and a permanent job as a staff nurse at Tippethill House Hospital in Armadale.

Ellie said: “I chose to be a nurse, and that was a commitment to care for people who needed it regardless of the risk to myself.

“My new job at Tippethill offers everything I enjoy – care of the elderly, wound management and also end-of-life care which I am really enthusiastic about.

“I’m not sure what the future holds for me. I will fight and work for as long as I can, doing a job I love. It’s just a shame that it took my own illness to open my eyes to nursing. I wish I had done it years ago.”

Emma Trotter, Edinburgh Napier’s field lead in adult nursing, said: “I have personally and professionally been moved and inspired over the last three years by Ellie Lamb, not only as a brilliant student nurse but as a role model for the nursing profession.

“Ellie’s determination, enthusiasm, energy and hard work to achieve her goal to be a trained nurse while facing her own health concerns were all an example of her passion to make a difference to the lives of the people she cares for.

“Her story has touched all our hearts within the BN programme, both staff and students, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish her the very best for her future career as a staff nurse.”

Men’s Health Week – “I never thought I would get breast cancer”

What better time for 14 men to get together with one voice to highlight that Men can get breast cancer too – than Men’s Health Week (15th – 21st June).

“I never thought that I would get breast cancer” – for many men it is a complete shock, as often they don’t even know that men can get breast cancer too!

Although the number of men affected by breast cancer is much lower than for women, the mortality rate for primary breast cancer in men is high in comparison, due to lack of awareness and late detection. Every year, 370* men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK and 81* men die of the disease.

Two years ago, six men who had all had the disease, joined forces with breast cancer charity Walk the Walk and created the Men get breast cancer too! campaign, determined to raise awareness and to hopefully save lives. When they all met each other, it was the first time that such a number had ever been together in the UK.

As a result, they have worked together on several campaigns and have all been busy putting up posters (until Covid-19), advising men how to Check their Chests.

Now more men have joined the original six, all united in sharing their experiences. Their aim is that eventually everybody will know that men get breast cancer:

Andy Manson – Reading (Stage four breast cancer, which had spread to lymph nodes)

“I’d been experiencing a stabbing pain in my left nipple for months but ignored it – it was my wife Michelle who forced me to go to the doctor.

The speed with which the GP referred me to the breast clinic at the Royal Berkshire Hospital was my first inkling that something was wrong. I was aware at the time that men could get breast cancer – I knew it existed, but I didn’t know what to check for. I had no lump which I could feel – so at the time, I ruled it out. I thought there always had to be a lump.

When I got my diagnosis – it’s like the cliché́ – you never expect it to be you.”

Amrik Rhall – Leeds (Diagnosed with a 2.5 cm tumour, in the early stages of breast cancer)

“My girlfriend Shirelle had pointed out a lump on my chest, I was able to feel it myself, but I decided it was probably nothing to worry about.
Shirelle wasn’t happy to just forget about it. Undeterred, she wasted no time in booking a doctor’s appointment for me. Despite my objections to going, I eventually relented.

A short consultation and check-over later, the doctor had come to a similar conclusion as me. He told me he was 90% sure that there were no problems and that the lump would simply be a cyst, but sent me for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.

I was 100% not expecting the result I received one week later, I nearly fainted!”

Dave Gill – Blandford Forum, Dorset (15 mm tumour in left breast. Diagnosed with Grade 2, ER Positive, Her2 negative carcinoma)

“My wife Kalaya and I were in Thailand checking out hotels for our daughter’s wedding. I spent a lot of time driving around and found that the car seat belt was rubbing on my chest and making it sore. I found a small lump next to my left nipple and we assumed that it was probably a blocked cyst.

On my return to the UK, both my GP and the consultant at Poole General Hospital thought it was a cyst too, but arranged for me to have a minor operation to remove it. I was wheeled out of the theatre and the surgeon told me she had found a small tumour and had just sewn me back up again.

Surprised is an understatement. I didn’t have a clue that men could get breast cancer and it hadn’t even been mentioned to me at all as being a possibility before this point.

I had been treated for minor skin cancers for years, so I wasn’t frightened by the concept of having cancer – it was breast cancer that scrambled my mind, how could I have it?”

Bryan Thorn – Baglan, Port Talbot (Diagnosed with a grade 2, 3cm invasive ductal carcinoma in right breast, with malignant tissue in the lymph nodes)

“I noticed a lump in my right breast when I was showering. I wasn’t checking myself, I didn’t even know men were supposed to check their chest area. I wasn’t naive enough to think men couldn’t get breast cancer, but it wasn’t something you heard much about.

“I made an appointment with my GP straight away, who checked the lump and the area around it, and referred me to the breast clinic. The consultant I saw had a prod around the lump area, told me it was fatty tissue and that there was nothing to worry about.

“12-14 months later, I noticed the lump was getting bigger, the nipple became inverted, and I started to get discharge from it and it also became painful to touch.

“I went back to my GP who quickly referred me back to the breast clinic. Within 10 minutes of my breast clinic appointment, I was going for a biopsy and a mammogram, and I was told it was likely to be breast cancer. It was.

“It was very surreal and a bit of a whirlwind. I think my first reaction was relief at being told the cancer was treatable”.

Dave Talbot – Olveston, Bristol (Had a lump the size of a golf ball – diagnosed with hormone receptive breast cancer)

“I found a lump between my nipple and armpit, it wasn’t sore and it wasn’t hard, I just thought it was a boil. I didn’t tell anyone about the lump – not even my partner.

I wasn’t aware that men should check their breasts, but I was acutely aware that if your body changes, you shouldn’t leave it.

I went to see my GP, who checked the area and said it was quite common for men to get fatty deposits, but she referred me to a specialist. It was at this point that I told my partner about the lump.

When I saw the consultant he took a biopsy there and then, and it went straight to the lab as a matter of urgency.

I wasn’t shocked to hear I had cancer, but my first instinct was ‘how long have I got? Is it going to kill me?’ I defy anybody who receives a cancer diagnosis not to be a bit scared.”

Richard Galloway – Wirral, Merseyside (Diagnosed with an 8mm ductal carcinoma)

“Initially, when I was getting irritation in the area around my nipple, I thought I had jogger’s nipple. Then, in the shower, I noticed a lump just below my left nipple – something to be more concerned about.

A week or so later at the doctors. I was told it was probably a cyst, and to come back in a couple of weeks if it was still there.

I waited five weeks before going back for a follow-up as I felt there was a lack of urgency. I was referred to the breast clinic for a biopsy.

I didn’t even know that men could get breast cancer, mainly because I’d just never had to think about it. When I was diagnosed, I must admit I thought “why me? what’s wrong with me?”

David Aggett from Henstridge, Somerset (Diagnosed with breast cancer, which has spread to his lungs)

“I’m a vet and found a tiny lump smaller than a pea under my right nipple after I got crushed and bruised by a cow. I gave it a couple of weeks to go away – then went to the GP.

It took a second biopsy to make the diagnosis, which sent alarm bells ringing, plus during that time my nipple started to invert. So when I got to the surgeon’s office, I would have been surprised to be told it wasn’t breast cancer.

As a very practical person and as the diagnosis wasn’t a surprise, I had prepared for the news.

After maybe 20 seconds of silence and numbness, I just wanted to get on and sort it out. What are we going to do? When’s surgery? What about chemo? When will I return to work? Etc.!!”

Alan Herbert – Scharnegoutum, The Netherlands (Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma Stage 3 cancer with lymph-gland involvement).

“Cancer? That diagnosis hadn’t even crossed my mind!

I was strong and healthy, I was a long distance runner and I am also a registered nurse and sport masseuse.

I knew men could get breast cancer – in fact, I had worked on a breast surgery ward and had run an oncology clinic.

After finding a lump beside my nipple, which I thought was probably a cyst, I made an appointment with my doctor. She examined me and said, “Well I don’t think it’s cancer as it’s smooth, but I’ll send you for a mammogram just to be safe.

I also had a biopsy taken from the lump and a sample from the lymph gland. This hadn’t been planned so I asked the technician “off the record” how it looked. He said “50/50,” but he lied.

I wasn’t surprised at the diagnosis, but disappointed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes”.

Glenn Cooper – Fareham, Hampshire (Diagnosed with breast cancer which has since spread)

“I had a persistent cough that had lasted a few weeks before I visited the doctor. My wife Marguerite insisted that I go and get something to fix it.

As the doctor was writing out my prescription, I asked him to check a lump that I had felt on my chest behind my nipple a few weeks earlier.

After a quick examination, the doctor concluded the lump was probably nothing serious, but referred me for more checks. A mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy came next. Each doctor that I saw was confident that the lump was nothing to worry about as there was no history of cancer within the family, yet just one week after my first appointment, I was given the news that the lump was, in fact, breast cancer.

My diagnosis of breast cancer came as a huge shock; I had heard somewhere that men could get breast cancer, but had never even thought about getting it myself. However, I remained calm and pragmatic about the diagnosis, quickly focussing on what steps I needed to take for treatment”.

Mark James – Porthcawl (Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer)

“I noticed one day that my left nipple didn’t look quite the same as my right nipple; it was slightly wonky in comparison. It looked as though the nipple was folded over, but it wasn’t really a bother; I was more concerned with a hernia I had at the time.

When I had a pre-op for my hernia I took my top off in front of the nurse who told me that I should get the nipple looked at. I went straight to the surgery and saw the next available doctor who wanted to refer me. Less than a week later I was having a mastectomy to remove my breast cancer.

It didn’t surprise me – it just made me more curious. After my wife’s own diagnosis with breast cancer, I’d done some reading on the subject so I knew men could be affected.”

Mark O’Connor – Cork, Ireland (Diagnosed after finding a 2 inch lump on his nipple)

“I was in bed, on holiday when I found a lump on my left nipple. At first I just thought I had knocked it, as I was working as a builder at the time so was used to getting bashed about a bit. The lump started changing shape so I spoke to my wife, Tina, and arranged an appointment with my doctor. He didn’t give me any indication that I could have breast cancer, but I was referred to the Breast Clinic straight away.

About a week later, I had a mammogram and a biopsy that same day at Cork University Hospital (CUH). The lump was rock hard and two inches in size, so the specialist I saw was alarmed.

I received my results the following week – I had breast cancer. I remember my consultant looking shocked, but we both wanted to get on with the treatment. I needed a mastectomy of the left breast, and the operation was booked in for a week later.

When I was given the diagnosis, I was taken aback, I didn’t know men could get breast cancer, nor did my wife. “

Giles Cooper – Conderton, Gloucestershire (Diagnosed with cancer in his right breast)

“Because of my family history, I’d started checking my chest. My father was 77 when he died from breast cancer, he was from the generation of men who never really discussed medical issues. Until my father was diagnosed, I didn’t have any idea that men could get breast cancer.

I discovered a lump in my right breast, hidden right behind the nipple. I ignored it to start with, but eventually had it checked out by my doctor, having been encouraged by my wife, who’s a nurse.

Although I was expecting the worst, the news that I did have breast cancer was still an immense shock.”

Roy Collins – Bexhill-on-Sea (Diagnosed with a 6cm tumour, which had spread to his lymph nodes)

“My wife caught me getting out of the shower one day. She is a nurse and noticed that my nipple was inverted. I hadn’t been conscious of it and it certainly didn’t hurt.

She sent me packing to the doctor’s and from there I was sent to the hospital for tests including a biopsy.

My inverted right nipple had been caused by a lump behind the nipple, which my surgeon told me had been growing for probably six months.

I didn’t know that men could get breast cancer and certainly didn’t check myself.

When I was diagnosed, I just turned to the consultant and said ‘if you need to take my breast off, give me radiotherapy, chemo – just do it. Just get rid of it!’ “

Mike Greenhalgh (Diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and is BRCA2 positive)

“I discovered two lumps in my breasts – one on each side, a small lump near my left nipple and a smaller swelling on my right breast, whilst I was in the shower. I hadn’t been checking myself, so it was completely by accident. After a couple of months my wife, both of us were GPs, prompted me to speak to my own doctor. I have Parkinson’s and we thought it might be a side effect of my medication.

My GP referred me to a consultant and I had a biopsy – a few days later, my consultant said he wanted to see me. He told me that I had breast cancer, I was very surprised, I hadn’t even contemplated that it might be breast cancer. I had been a GP for 27 years, but had never seen a case of breast cancer in men at my surgery, nor had my own GP. I felt the need to be strong to reassure those close to me, but also to remain positive about the outcome of my disease.

I’m one of five children and have an identical twin, Bill. After my diagnosis, I and all my siblings were tested for BRCA. Myself, my older brother and twin brother tested positive for BRCA2 as did one of my sisters. My other sister tested negative”.

*Breast Cancer Now, June 2020

Its May, it’s spring and it should be the start of MoonWalk Season!

Whilst the iconic MoonWalks are on hold, organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk are inviting people from all over the U.K. to put on their walking shoes and join them on a virtual MoonWalk Celebration Road Trip.

To mark the dates of The MoonWalk London on 16th May, The MoonWalk Scotland on 6th June and The MoonWalk Iceland on 13th June, this virtual road trip is a 29 day journey. It will start at Clapham Common in London, continuing via Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and finishing with a grand celebration at Lake Myvatn in Iceland.

The virtual route is 1,190 miles, as the crow flies and people wanting to support the charity can choose how many miles that they want to walk. The aim is to get as many people to Iceland as possible on 13th June, observing social distancing guidelines, of course.

Walkers can choose to take on 2 miles each day, 3 miles a day or 5 miles each day for 29 days or pick ‘n’ mix their own distance and time.

There is no cost for joining and fundraising is optional, but should they want to, those taking part can open a fundraising page and anyone can show their support by making a donation.

The entire Walk the Walk Team is setting off on the road trip and walking at least 2 miles a day for the 29 days.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said; “With our 3 MoonWalks sadly on hold, we just could not let the days pass without some kind of celebration.

“So, all of us at Walk the Walk along with as many people as we can get to join us, are very excited to be setting off … virtually of course on ‘The MoonWalk Celebration Road Trip’.

“In these unsettled times we all need a bit of fun, and this really is fun for everyone. It is free to enter and a great incentive for women, men and children to get out into the fresh air with a fun goal … meanwhile, Walk the Walk hope to raise some much needed funds for those living with cancer who need it now more than ever, so a great exchange.

“After all, how often can you say that you are walking from London to Scotland and then onto Iceland … Join this magical journey now and expect a few surprises along the way!”