October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage people to know the signs and symptoms, and remind everyone of the importance of seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.
When we think about breast cancer, it is often associated with women. But breast cancer can affect men too.
Male breast cancer is rare, but around 375 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
You may have recently seen male breast cancer brought into the spotlight on Coronation Street, where one of the show’s male characters is diagnosed with breast cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support has partnered with ITV’s Coronation Street to help bring this important issue to the forefront, using the storyline as an opportunity to raise awareness of male breast cancer and the impact a diagnosis can have. The storyline provides an important opportunity to challenge misconceptions, raise awareness and encourage men to pay attention to changes in their bodies.
One of our Online Community members, David was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in 2019 at the age of 62. The cancer spread to David’s lungs in 2023, so it is now classed as stage 4 breast cancer. David received support from Macmillan’s Support Line, where he received advice on welfare and grants. He also accessed support from specialist nurses and connected with others through the Macmillan Online Community. David has kindly answered some of our questions, sharing his experience in the hope that it may help others feel less alone, whether they’re living with male breast cancer themselves or supporting someone who is.
What was going through your mind when you were first diagnosed with male breast cancer?
“My first thoughts were how am I going to tell my wife and children, and obviously am I going to survive this diagnosis.”
Did you experience any fear of stigma, judgement, or being treated differently because you are a man with a breast cancer diagnosis?
“I honestly thought a cancer diagnosis came with an outpouring of support and sympathy, but in reality, I was met with ignorance and abandonment. Many male friends couldn’t associate with breast cancer and a man having it. This caused many to avoid me or not talk about it.”
Did you experience any practical or emotional challenges following your diagnosis?
“At first I noticed how pink the world of breast cancer truly is. The waiting rooms were full of ladies, and the only men I noticed were husbands and partners. I refused the offer of a pink gown for my mammogram and thankfully after my mastectomy I was put in a general male ward. I felt very awkward at first explaining that I had breast cancer, more because of the way people responded to me, shocked with a hint of recoil."
What made you join the Online Community after receiving your diagnosis?
“I was desperately lonely with this disease and found very little info on men having this disease. I turned to Macmillan Online Community in order to talk about how I felt and seek assurance it was normal. I found friendships with ladies online who explained their journeys and I started to feel understood and heard.”
How has the Online Community helped you throughout your experience?
“I would dip in and out of the Online Community, at different stages of my condition. Because its forums have headline groups and topics and it was so easy to navigate where to be at different stages, like side effects, medication questions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatments. There was always someone online to give their opinion or experience of things. I recall feeling very isolated on one occasion. A person said to me. “There may not be many men on here but you’ve got thousands of ladies wanting to support you through this”. Reassurance would always be restored from people I never knew or whom I’d never meet.”
What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with male breast cancer?
“I can’t say this loud enough but find a group as soon as you can. Talking through your diagnosis with others in the same boat will help you navigate this much better. If you think going it alone and not talking or worse still hiding your illness, is going to help you. Be warned it won’t. Cancer doesn’t just affect your physical health it affects everything relationships, finances, mental well-being, work. Be kind to yourself and try to grasp the gravity of your diagnosis and please try to talk it through with those who fully understand. It certainly helps.”
Blokes with breast cancer thread Join in with conversation started by one of our members. Share your experiences and connect with others who understand.
Breast cancer forum A breast cancer support group for anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis, their family members and loved ones to find support. A space to share similar experiences, get emotional support and discuss cancer treatment.
Breast Cancer in Men Information There’s lots of information on our website, from the symptoms of male breast cancer and how it’s diagnosed, to treatment options and the support available.
Macmillan Support Line teams are here for you. Sometimes it can help to talk things through with someone who’s there to listen. They’re available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, on freephone 0808 808 00 00, by email, or via live webchat.
