09/09/2026
“I’ve found the experience isolating as a man… I want to challenge the misconception that breast cancer is a ‘women’s disease' and encourage men to check themselves and act on changes.”
James was 43 when he was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2026. Now he’s sharing his story to raise awareness of male breast cancer.
“Just before Christmas last year, I found a hard lump below my ni**le, around the size of a 20p coin. It wasn’t painful at first, so I assumed it had always been there and would go away. Around two months later it became painful and more noticeable. When the pain persisted, I saw my GP.
“I was referred through the 2-week pathway and, after an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“My cancer is hormone-positive and HER2-positive, with cancer found in 3 lymph nodes. A CT showed there were no secondary cancers, and an MRI confirmed an abnormality on my spine was benign. I had chemotherapy first and have now had my mastectomy.
“The diagnosis has been a huge emotional shock and the first time I’ve confronted my own mortality. I’ve also found the experience isolating as a man, with breast cancer care and information largely geared towards women. Being given leaflets and told they were all for women highlighted the lack of awareness around male breast cancer.
“Before my diagnosis, checking my breasts had never crossed my mind and I would likely have dismissed the lump. I’m actually glad it became painful as that drew my attention to it and prompted me to get it checked.
“Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year – more than one a day. If sharing my story encourages even 1 man to recognise a change and get it checked, it will feel worthwhile."
Like James, Coronation Street are also raising awareness of breast cancer in men. This week, Kit Green received a breast cancer diagnosis, a storyline we’ve helped guide, to ensure that it’s portrayed authentically.
