Tag: mens health

PCHP: Men’s Wellbeing Tuesdays

Join PCHP every Tuesday from 1-3 PM for a variety of activities designed to boost your wellbeing! From sports to mindfulness, there’s something for everyone.

Meet New People: Connect with others and build lasting friendships.

Take Time for You: Prioritize your mental and physical health.

Improve Wellbeing: Engage in activities that promote overall wellness.

Men Together: A supportive environment for men of all cultures.

Be Yourself: A safe space to express who you are.

Explore the Community: Discover local gems and beyond.

Nature Heals: Experience the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Come as you are and join us for an enriching experience! 🌿

New to PCHP? Get in touch via email hello@pchp.org.uk

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#AllAreWelcome

Changing the conversation: Walk the Walk’s Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign is seven years old!

It’s Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week and breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is celebrating seven years of raising awareness that Men Get Breast Cancer Too. 

Following the success of the Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign, charities across the UK now regularly feature men as an integral part of their awareness campaigns and include the following important information:

  • Male breast cancer affects between 370 – 400 men a year in the UK
  • Over 80 men a year die from breast cancer due to not knowing men can get this type of cancer, and not doing regular checks
  • Breast cancer usually affects men aged 50 and over, but it can be found in men of any age
  • The diagnosis of breast cancer in men, as well as the treatment, is very similar to that for women

Mark Winter (59) from Eastbourne is part of the Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign and was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2020: “My message to men is to not only check ‘below’, but to check ‘above’ too and don’t be frightened if you find something.

“Proportionally, more men die of breast cancer because they’ve ignored the problem and not done anything about it. My own diagnosis was a hell of a shock, but that phone call I made to my doctor’s was probably the best one of my life.”

Richard Gadd helps survivors move ‘Beyond The Silence’

Male sexual abuse charity, We Are Survivors, has launched its brand new quarterly magazine, Beyond The Silence, with the help of the creator of the Netflix international smash hit Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd.

This is the first ever magazine from the organisation and has been created to ensure that space is created for the important discussion on male victims / survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.

Magazine Editor, Grahame Robertson, said: “Whilst the newsletter format served us well, our organisational vision is for a society where NO male survivor is left behind and with such a bold vision, we need an equally bold way to get the UK talking.”

This first edition is packed full of the latest news from the sexual violence sector; the lowdown on the organisation’s two new digital campaigns that look at ChemSex and being the best survivor ally you can be; and even takes the reader on a tour of the amazing new community space.

But is the issues cover star that we’re most excited to present. For around a decade now, writer, comedian, actor and now creator of the biggest Netflix series – Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd has been an ambassador of the organisation and stood with us as a male survivor and in support of male survivors. 

Talking exclusively in the magazine, Richard talks about the positive effect Baby Reindeer has had and why he is such a proud supporter of We Are Survivors.

In the interview, Richard describes how talking about using his lived experience as a survivor has been cathartic and how that conversation with the charity’s founder, Duncan Craig OBE, helped him see how vital the support for male survivors is from a first hand perspective.

To get your free copy of Beyond The Silence, sign up here: BEYOND THE SILENCE – SIGN UP

Men’s health: Four messages that could save a life

It’s likely we’ve all heard them before. Reasons why men might not get medical help when they need it, or why isolation grows around them like a dark cloak.

How many times have you or a man in your life said something like this?

“Ach, it’s only a cough.”

“Get help? Nah, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”

“I’ll just stay in – I prefer my own company anyway.”

Recent news about the health of the King has put men’s health into the spotlight, but every year tens of thousands of men put off getting the care they need until it is urgent – either because they don’t know where to go or because they’re reluctant or embarrassed to reach out.

Members of the Men’s Shed in Govan want to change that, and they’ve teamed up with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to help men get over their embarrassment, or put aside their reluctance, and get the help they need.

Here four members, each of whom has a particular reason to be thankful to the Shed, tell their stories – and share a simple message that might just save a life.

Martin Haddow, age 72
Govan Men’s Shed Chairman

Martin is a survivor of prostate cancer, and its aggressive nature meant doctors had to act fast.

He said: “It all started when I noticed I needed to pee more often than usual, and when I needed to go it was quite urgent.

“I also experience a slight weight loss and a few other things associated with prostate cancer so, rather than leave it, I sought immediate help from my doctor.

“I was referred to the urology department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary where I had the works – scans, blood tests etc.

“When the results came back I was told I had cancer, and it was aggressive. The urologist told me I needed to get my prostate removed and if I didn’t I would maybe live five or six years.”

For Martin there really was no choice to make and he opted to go ahead with the surgery.

“It ultimately saved my life,” he said – and because of that life-saving decision, Martin is encouraging all other men not to wait, and to get checked out if they have any doubts about their health.

“Don’t put it off, because you never know when it will be too late. Your health can’t wait – it’s as simple as that.”

Frank Murphy, age 62
Founder member

Frank is a survivor of testicular cancer, and he knows the value of going to get checked out.

“When I found a lump I went straight down to the GP. Yes it’s embarrassing, but this is what they’re trained for. That was in 2005 and because I got in there early I’ve never had a problem since.”

He’s heard far too many men saying they’d leave a problem – sometimes until it’s too late.

“If only they’d said ‘hing on a minute, something’s no’ right here’ and got straight down to the doctor,” he said.

“If you have a cough that won’t go away, or find a lump or something, acting macho won’t help you. We have the best docs and nurses, but there’s only so much they can do. So, please, get seen early – don’t leave it until it’s too late.

“Don’t be the guy who died of embarrassment because you were too feart to go to go to the doctor.”

John Devlin, 65
Founder member

John also had a lump on his testicle and got it checked out.

“People think the lump will go away,” he said, “but then six months later it might have spread. You cannae shirk on your own health, so if you have any worries, go and see someone.

“My motto is if in doubt check it out.”

But for John, a cancer scare was only part of the story – the bigger issue in his life was mental rather than physical.

“I was going through a bad time before we opened this Men’s Shed. It was the isolation – I was struggling.

“But this place has been a huge help. I come here, and there’s so much going on – so much laughter – that it really helps.”

Arthur Bisset, 62
Member for two years

Arthur had a stroke at work seven or eight years ago, and from that day he started on a path to serious isolation.

“I just shut myself away,” he said. “The stroke left me with some physical difficulties, and because of that I wouldn’t leave the house.

“I was so embarrassed – worried and frightened what people would say, that they would see me in a different light and as disabled.”

Eventually a friend persuaded Arthur to go along to the Govan Shed – and within weeks it had completely changed his life.

“Looking back I was terrified to leave the house, but once I got here it was great. Here I was just one of the boys. They treated me like I was normal, and within a month I wouldn’t be without it.

“This place has given me my confidence and independence back.”

And Arthur’s message to anyone who might be in the same position as him?

“At some point you might think you’re useless, that everything’s behind you – but that’s not true. Never give up on yourself, because you’re worth mair than that.

“Reach out – find a place like this. You’ll never regret it.”

The inspiration behind the Shed

Sarah Everett works four days a week as a practice nurse at the nearby Govan Health Centre and has seen first-hand the particular issues that men face. That was the driver for the Men’s Shed.

“A lot of men come to see me for a range of things, and I realised that one of the main problems was isolation – many of them were bored, very disconnected, and as a result they didn’t have a lot of self-worth.

“When I heard about Men’s Shed I thought, that’s what we need here, so after securing funding we set up a group in the practice.

“At first there were five men, but that five quickly became 15 and we began to run out of room. Then we found our current premises and moved in on 1st January 2018.

“It was little more than a shell, but the men have turned it into a fantastic facility. The sense of pride for everyone is huge, and when I listen to the banter here – the laughter – it’s so rewarding.”

And Sarah is clear about the value of a place like the Shed – so much so that she commits one day a week as volunteer funding manager.

“Men need to feel like they have a purpose – that’s huge for them. When someone starts saying it’s easier just to stay at home that’s a real problem, and places like this are so important to prevent men getting into a downward spiral.

“Within five minutes you’re made to feel very welcome and instantly start to build relationships with other people, to join in with things and feel better about yourself.

“But on top of that, men are terrible for not looking after their health – I hear all the time it’s only a cough or I don’t want to bother the doctor. But that’s their job – you’re not wasting their time. And the experiences of the men here really help others to go and get a problem checked earlier.”

The doctor

Dr Kerri Neylon, a GP in Govan, is well aware of men’s reluctance to seek help early, but she knows that the example and support of others can be an important factor in encouraging them to overcome their fears.

Dr Neylon, who is Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, also hopes recent news about the health of the King, and his willingness to speak early about it, could help men to come forward.

She said: “Often I am told by patients that they didn’t want to come to see a GP because they were embarrassed, and it’s often the encouragement of others that acts as a catalyst for men to see about a health worry they have been putting off.

“In speaking so candidly about his own health issues, I have no doubt the King will be an important example, encouraging others to take a lead from him and make that first appointment. We wish him and his family well for whatever lies ahead.”

Dr Neylon often encourages her patients to attend the Men’s Shed, as she knows how valuable it can be for their mental and physical health.

She said: “The Men’s Shed in Govan is a really important resource for men to receive support and encouragement with issues affecting their health and wellbeing.

“Availability of easily accessible facilities such as these are of huge importance in tackling isolation and loneliness and provide a sense of belonging, and most importantly some laughter and fun.”

IMAGES: Scottish Sun

Men’s Health: Biggest prostate cancer screening trial in decades to start in UK

The trial will use innovative screening methods like an MRI scan and see hundreds of thousands of men across the country participating

  • On International Men’s Day, UK Government joins Prostate Cancer UK to unveil £42 million screening trial to find ways of detecting country’s most common male cancer earlier 
  • Hundreds of thousands of men across the country will participate, with one in ten participants set to be black men who have a much higher prostate cancer risk
  • NHS England to carry out suite of improvements to men’s health pages online, and first ever Men’s Health Ambassador set to be appointed by government

Thousands of men’s lives could be saved, and their loved ones spared the tragedy of losing someone to cancer, as a major new prostate cancer screening trial is set to get under way in the UK backed by £42 million from the government and Prostate Cancer UK.  

The first-of-its-kind trial – called TRANSFORM – will use innovative screening methods like an MRI scan to detect prostate cancer, and it will see hundreds of thousands of men across the country participating.  

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK and has no screening programme. It usually has no symptoms until it has grown large and may be more difficult to treat and, sadly, 12,000 men die of it every single year.  

A way of effectively screening for prostate cancer could find these men before their cancer spreads and save their lives.  

The trial has the potential to see new screening methods give more accurate results than the current blood tests, which can miss some cancers and often suggest prostate cancer when no cancer exists.

Crucially, screening could also spot the disease even when no symptoms are displayed.  

Announcing the programme yesterday on Men’s Health Day, Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “Cancer survival rates continue to improve in the UK, with the disease being diagnosed at an earlier stage more often. But more must be done.

Our hope is that this funding will help to save the lives of thousands more men through advanced screening methods that can catch prostate cancer as early as possible.

Laura Kerby, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “12,000 men die of prostate cancer each year and it’s the most common cancer that doesn’t have a national screening programme.

“It’s about time that changed. That’s why we’re launching our biggest and most ambitious trial ever. It will finally give us the answers we need to develop a routine testing system and save thousands of men each year.

“Prostate Cancer UK’s unique focus and expertise made us the only organisation that could really deliver this paradigm-shifting trial, and we’re delighted that the government has backed our vision to revolutionise diagnosis.”

1 in 4 black men will develop prostate cancer – double the risk of other men. Therefore, to ensure the trial helps reduce their risk of dying from this disease, 1 in 10 men invited to participate will be black men. Participating men in the screening trial will be aged 50-75, with black men eligible from the lower age range of 45-75.  

Men at higher risk of prostate cancer due to age and ethnicity will be recruited through their GP practice and invited to a screening visit. 

More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK on average – that’s 144 men every day. Around 490,000 men are currently living with and after prostate cancer.

Sports broadcaster Steve Rider, 73, shared his prostate cancer diagnosis last month: “It was from talking with friends that I explored my risk of prostate cancer, I didn’t have any symptoms and wasn’t expecting to be diagnosed.

“Luckily, my cancer was all contained within the prostate, giving me the opportunity to have significant surgery to deal with it, but for too many men they are diagnosed late.”

£16 million will be invested by the government for the trial through the National Institute of Health Research and Prostate Cancer UK, who have led the development of the trial, will provide £26m. The trial is due to start in Spring 2024 with recruitment likely to begin in Autumn 2024.  

The government has already opened 127 community diagnostic centres to offer quicker, more convenient checks outside of hospitals for conditions such as cancer, with over five million additional tests delivered so far. 

The Major Conditions Strategy will also consider the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions including cancer. The UK is already working with world renowned scientists to deliver new cancer vaccine trials and is growing the size of the specialist workforce.

Daniel Burkey, 58, from Yorkshire, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in June 2021. He said: “Men need prostate cancer screening so that if we’ve got it, we can find out early enough to treat it and get rid of it. I got my diagnosis in my fifties, and the doctor told me the horrible news that it can’t be cured.

“It was an awful shock, and I still find it hard to accept that I’ll always have this disease, but I’m doing everything I can to control the cancer with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and two kinds of hormone therapy; one by injection, one orally.

“Things could have been different if I’d been tested routinely and caught it early enough. If the UK gets prostate cancer screening, so many lives will be saved. Knowing that this trial is going to find a way to do that makes me optimistic for other men.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), said: “New research into harnessing innovative screening methods is crucial in finding ways to detect this serious disease earlier, in the race against time to save lives.

“That’s why setting up this landmark new trial in partnership between NIHR and Prostate Cancer UK is so important.

“Together we can aim to generate high quality long-term evidence to benefit men at risk of developing this condition, and to inform those who plan and deliver NHS services of how best to test for the disease.”

In other measures announced yesterday:

Men’s Health Ambassador:

  • The government will be recruiting for the UK’s first ever Men’s Health Ambassador, we are inviting applications from anyone with an interest and expertise in men’s health. 
  • The successful candidate, to be announced in the coming months, will be responsible for increasing awareness of certain conditions and health needs faced by men. They will help dispel taboos and stigmas and encourage more open conversations among men about their general health. 
  • The role will be open for applications on GOV.UK shortly.

NHS Website Updates:

  • NHS England will deliver a host of important improvements and updates to pages on its website most used by men.  
  • This will make it easier for men to both find and understand the help and support on offer for certain conditions. 
  • Pages on issues like prostatitis, testicular cancer, and low sperm count will be updated in the coming months.

Men’s Health Task and Finish Group:

  • The government will establish the first Men’s Health Task and Finish Group. 
  • Membership will include behavioural scientists, men’s health campaigners, experts and academics. 
  • Together, they will help us identify how we can get more men to engage with their health, including a focus on better understanding male access to primary care services, such as GPs, and male uptake of the NHS Health Check.

New drug delivery could significantly improve treatment outcomes for prostate cancer

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a new treatment to be used in combination with radiotherapy that could significantly improve treatment outcomes for men with locally advanced prostate cancer.

The treatment can make cancerous cells up to 30% more receptive to radiotherapy while simultaneously reducing adverse side effects that limit quality of life.  

Radiotherapy is extensively used to treat various localised cancers including prostate cancer, offering the best chance for curative intervention. However, approximately 30% of prostate cancer patients experience treatment failure leading to disease progression. 

The research team at Queen’s have developed a new nanomedicine comprised of tiny gold particles, coated in a small peptide called RALA. If these nanoparticles are present in tumour cells when treated with radiotherapy, they increase the cell killing potential of this conventional treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disease relapse. In the absence of radiation, the gold nanoparticles are not directly toxic, meaning that risk of treatment related toxicity is low. 

Various groups around the world have reported that gold nanoparticles, or other high-atomic number elements, hold the potential to sensitise tumour cells to radiation treatment, but one key challenge has been delivering these particles in sufficient levels to the right regions within the tumour cells.

Combining the gold particles with RALA increases the efficiency of nanoparticle uptake, while also enabling the gold particles to be delivered to regions within the cells which are more sensitive to the effects of radiation damage. 

The study, published in Nanobiotechnology, shows that through the new formulation, prostate cancer cells were rendered up to 30% more sensitive to the cell killing effects of the same radiotherapy used to treat patients. 

Furthermore, in experiments investigating the magnitude of effect in small 3-dimentional models of prostate tumors called tumourspheres, the combination of radiation and RALA-gold nanoparticles completely suppressed tumoursphere growth. 

Professor Helen McCarthy, from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, explains: “The peptide enables the gold nanoparticles to be delivered more efficiently to the tumour cells. The gold then interacts with the radiotherapy, increasing the cell killing effect in a highly localised manner.” 

The gold particles are up to three times more visible on standard medical imaging equipment. This means that if the nanoparticles are located within the tumour, they should help to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy delivery, reducing the risk of off-target damage to neighboring normal tissue such as the bladder or bowel. 

The multi-disciplinary team have recently been awarded £376,000 from Prostate Cancer UK to evaluate the effectiveness of these implants at increasing the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to radiotherapy. 

Dr Jonathan Coulter (top), from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, explains: “Our research has shown that ultra-low concentrations of the RALA-gold nanoparticles effectively sensitise prostate tumour cells to radiotherapy. 

“Now we want to build on this work, to address the second major challenge, consistently delivering sufficient nanoparticles to the tumour throughout a patients’ radiotherapy. We are delighted that Prostate Cancer UK are supporting our proposal to develop a biodegradable implant designed to provide sustained release of the gold nanoparticles.” 

“Following insertion into the main tumour lesion, the biodegradable implant will consistently release the nanoparticles over time. This is opposed to current approaches that involve daily injections. Following consultation with a local prostate cancer patient focus groups, we learned that a one off implant would be better tolerated by patients than regular injections to the tumour.” 

Movember: GP reveals five things you should know about prostate cancer

  • One in eight UK men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
  • Dr Rhianna McCylmont explains the main symptoms and treatment options 

Movember aims to raise awareness of the key health issues impacting men, helping them to identify symptoms and get diagnosed whilst their conditions are still treatable. 

One of the main focuses is prostate cancer, which is the most diagnosed form of cancer amongst men in the UK. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime 1. 

Below, Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at the digital healthcare provider, Livi, reveals some of the key facts about the disease, including the main warning signs and what to do about them:  

  1. Who’s at risk? 

The prostate is an organ that only men have, and its main function is to produce the white fluid which mixes with sperm to create semen. 

Dr Rhianna said: “Although prostate cancer can affect men of any age, it’s most commonly diagnosed in older age groups, particularly over 50s.  

“Research has also found that men of an African, or African-Caribbean descent are also more at risk from the cancer compared to men from other ethnicities.” 

  1. What can increase the risk of prostate cancer? 

Dr Rhianna said: “There are various factors that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including family history. The risk increases if a male member of your family developed prostate cancer before the age of 60. 

“Another factor which can increase the risk is obesity, with NHS information suggesting that obesity may be linked to an increased likelihood of the development of prostate cancer.” 

  1. What are the symptoms? 

Dr Rhianna said: “Unfortunately, prostate cancer can often be symptomless, which is why it’s so important to have your prostate checked regularly as you get older.” 

When symptoms do appear, particularly as the illness becomes more advanced, they can include: 

  • Increased frequency in needing to urinate 
  • Difficulty when starting to pee, or a weak flow 
  • Feeling like your bladder hasn’t fully emptied 
  • Feeling an urgent need to urinate 
  1. How is it tested? 

Dr Rhianna said: “If you notice you have any symptoms related to prostate cancer, you might be offered a PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen test. This is taken as a blood test and can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.  

“Your GP will also suggest an examination of your prostate, which is undertaken through a rectal exam.  

“If either or both of these tests indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, then you will undertake an MRI scan to assess the prostate, and a biopsy will be used to officially diagnose the condition.” 

  1. What are the treatment options? 

Dr Rhianna said: “Treatment of prostate cancer depends largely on the severity of the condition, and how far advanced it is, as well as other factors including whether it has spread to other areas of your body, and your general health. 

“Treatment options are varied and include surgery to remove the prostate (a prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or ‘watchful waiting’, where the cancer is considered to be relatively minor, and poses little threat of spreading, or developing further within the patient’s lifetime, so is left untreated but closely monitored.”  

Dr Rhianna adds: “Movember has done a fantastic job of raising awareness of male-specific health conditions such as prostate cancer, and thankfully so, as it’s incredibly common, but often treatable if caught early enough.  

“The good news is that whilst the condition is common amongst men and potentially very serious, most patients diagnosed with it do survive. This is why it’s so important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms and understand the need to be checked as they get older.”  

For more information about prostate cancer, visit:

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/prostate-cancer-a-doctors-guide/ 

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

Men Get Breast Cancer Too

Ahead of World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4th February, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce a partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition in the United States.

The two charities are uniting in their mission to raise awareness that Men Get Breast Cancer Too.

Every year, 370* men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK and 81* men die of the disease. In the United States, 2,620** men are diagnosed annually, and 520** will die. Men face a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than women, due to a lack of awareness.

Walk the Walk has been working with a group of men for more than two years, highlighting that while the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is much higher, it is a disease which can affect men as well.

The UK charity recently launched a downloadable awareness poster, encouraging men to “Check your Chest”, to spot the signs of breast cancer. Men taking part in Walk the Walk’s fundraising challenges wear a special pink t-shirt with a blue bra printed on it.

The Male Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is based in the United States and shares the stories of men from all over the world, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The aim of the MBCC is to provide resources for men and their families, navigating their way through what is usually a women’s only club. The charity visits high schools and colleges across the United States spreading the word and educating audiences.

Uniting together, Walk the Walk and the MBCC hope to reach millions more people across the globe with their awareness message.

Roy Collins (above) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and has been working with Walk the Walk to raise awareness for the last couple of years.

He said: “I was really pleased to hear that Walk the Walk, who I have worked with for a few years helping to raise awareness of breast cancer in men, are going into partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition.

“Anything that can help men feel less alone by sharing their stories and experiences is a great move forward in the fight against breast cancer. I hope this new partnership also encourages more men to check themselves for symptoms”.

Cheri Ambrose, Founder of the Male Breast Cancer Coalition said: “We are honoured to be joining forces with Walk the Walk to help promote awareness of breast cancer in men.  

“It is through education that we will be able to break the gender stigma that breast cancer holds and give men a fighting chance against the disease”.

If you’re a man who has had breast cancer, Walk the Walk and the MBCC would love to hear from you. Please email pr@walkthewalk.org