Campaigner praises Corrie male breast cancer story

A man who survived breast cancer says he welcomes Coronation Street's storyline about the disease, which is often associated with women.

Dave Talbot, 69, from Olveston, South Gloucestershire, has been raising awareness of male breast cancer since he was diagnosed in 2015.

The charity Breast Cancer Now said most people do not realise that men can get breast cancer. About 400 men are diagnosed each year in the UK, compared to 55,000 women.

"If Corrie's decision to go down this story can save one life, that's brilliant," said Talbot.

Talbot was showering when he discovered a lump on his chest in 2015.

"It was just something I knew shouldn't be there. But fortunately, with a history of cancer in the family, I was aware that I needed to get it checked."

He went on to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy and was given the all clear in 2017.

Back then, Talbot said there was little awareness of male breast cancer.

"I remember going to the breast cancer clinic with my wife and the receptionist spoke to my wife and not me because she assumed it was my wife who had breast cancer," he said.

"Many people don't realise that men can get breast cancer," said Sally Kum from Breast Cancer Now.

"This lack of awareness can mean that men may delay seeking medical advice after noticing a change."

Talbot said "men are notoriously bad at going to the doctor" and urged men to go and visit their GP if they notice a lump or any unusual symptoms.

"I'm now celebrating my 10th year of being declared clear of breast cancer and that's because I dealt with it early."

Kum said it is "essential" for men to know the signs and symptoms and regularly check their chest area.

Symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
• Liquid leaking from your nipples (nipple discharge), which may have blood in it
• Changes in the size or shape of either side of your chest
• Sores or ulcers on your chest
• A change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)

Source: NHS

Talbot said awareness has improved in recent years.

In December 2021, EastEnders featured a male breast cancer storyline following the character Stuart Highway.

And more recently, the disease was also explored in Coronation Street, after the character Kit Green was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

"Kit's story serves as a powerful reminder that breast cancer can happen to anyone," said Kum.

"Raising awareness and normalising conversations around the disease is crucial."

Coronation Street's producers drew on the insight and expertise from organisations such as Breast Cancer Now and the Men's VMU support group, which Talbot is a part of.

"We make sure they get the information right so that they do take great care over the storyline," he said.

Over the past 10 years, Talbot has spoken openly about his experience to raise awareness of breast cancer in men.

"I've spoken about my condition many times before, including stood up, dressed with no hair during my treatment in a bright pink suit in front of 2,000 police officers to tell them that men get breast cancer at a conference."

He said he was passionate about men's health and encouraged men not to feel embarrassed about visiting their GP.

"Because men seem to think they're going to get laughed at it if they go to the GP with some minor condition.

"But, you know, going to your GP can save your life."

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