EMBARGOED until 20 October 2024
CHECK YOUR PECS
Males get breast cancer too
A man undergoing treatment for breast cancer is using his experience to urge others to “CHECK YOUR PECS” and not delay medical advice.
Brett Wilson admits taking months to act on his doctor’s advice to get an ultrasound on an unusual lump and says the diagnosis was a shock.
“I felt fear initially, and to be honest confusion about how I – as a man – could get breast cancer,”
More than 200 Australian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but it remains a common misconception that only women can have the disease.
Brett required a single mastectomy and is open about the emotional impact, he says finding the right information and support is important. “It’s been tough, but I have great family and friend, and I’ve used many of BCNA’s resources including the Helpline, the website and booklets. There is support and plenty of it – just reach out and ask.”
BCNA is also encouraging men to know their family history of breast cancer as genetics can be an important indicator. Paul Hughes died from breast cancer 6 months ago, his widow Shauna says he wanted other men to know what he didn’t.
"Paul's mum had survived breast cancer many years ago and discovered she had the BRCA2 gene, his sisters were subsequently tested but we didn't know that sons could inherit the gene from either parent too. Paul was a strong supporter of BCNA with a focus of removing the misconception that only women get breast cancer."
SUNDAY 20th OCTOBER IS MALE BREAST CANCER DAY
BCNA has many resources for men diagnosed with breast cancer. These include:
- Breast cancer in men information page
- Men get breast cancer too booklet
- Men and breast cancer – treatment, managing side effects and finding support video
- Understanding breast cancer: men get breast cancer too podcast
- In conversation with Harry and Pieter podcast
Media enquiries:
Available for interview
Brett Wilson-
Shauna Ross
Breast Cancer Network Australia - Vicki Durston -
Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690
Key Facts: Men should CHECK THIER PECS More than 200 Australian men diagnosed breast cancer every year Men can carry the breast cancer gene Men available for interview About us: Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 175,000 individual members. BCNA supports, informs, represents and connects Australians affected by breast cancer and works to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support appropriate to their individual needs. Contact details: Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690 kcurtain@bcna.org.au