Catherine Tyldesley, who is known for her appearances on Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing has shared the news that her husband, Tom Pitfield, had a cancer scare after finding a lump behind his nipple.
The actress shared a graphic that explained that one in 200 breast cancer cases are men and that the main symptom is a lump that appears close to the nipple or the indentation. Catherine also revealed that she was initially uncertain about revealing her husband's health news, but that she was posting with his permission and to raise awareness around breast cancer in men.
Thankfully, Tom did not have the illness, but instead had a gynecomastia, a condition that causes swelling and enlargement around the breast area and is sometimes referred to as 'man boobs'. The condition is most common in teenage boys and older men.
The condition is not life-threatening, although it can cause some discomfort, and the NHS can prescribe medication to help with a hormone imbalance, or private surgery can be performed to remove the breast tissue.
Although Tom did not have breast cancer, the illness can still affect men, and Catherine shared awareness of the illness in her caption, saying that her husband didn't even know at the time that it was something men could develop.
The actress shared: "But our experience has made me want to raise awareness about Men's Breast cancer. It has come to our attention that most men don't even realise it's a possibility. Yes it's rare but it's absolutely worth checking your pecks Fellas!! Symptoms are same as for women. Most commonly a lump. Could be distortion, bloody nipple discharge."
The star was supported by fans with her former co-star Sally Dynevor saying: "Oh Cath this is so important to share. Thank you so much. James Harvey [Catherine's breast specalist] is fabulous. Love to you both."
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A second added: "I remember finding a lump and how scared I was. Too ashamed to tell anyone because of the taboo around it. I was lucky and it turned out to be harmless but other men aren't so fortunate. Thank you for sharing and raising awareness."
A third penned: "This is very rare that this happens to me and that's why no one ever talks about it, although it should be shouted from the rooftops because it can happen to me and women and is just as important for men to check as much as it is women," while others shared their relief that Tom wasn't ill.
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