Catherine Tyldesley has urged men to check their pecs after her husband discovered a lump in his breast.
The Coronation Street star, 39, revealed her partner Tom Pitfield, 35, was unaware men could get breast cancer.
Opening up on Instagram, Catherine said Tom had a biopsy after he found a lump behind his nipple.
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She admitted the wait was “painful” and felt “relieved” once his condition was confirmed as Gynecomastia.
The soap actress shared a photo of a male nipple and said: “I pondered over whether to share this or not- but I spoke to my husband and he agreed that it was important.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Tom found a large lump behind his nipple. Naturally, when you find a lump anywhere, as much as you try not to- you worry. After a scan and an ultra sound GP still wasn’t sure what we were dealing with. So Tom needed a biopsy. I myself found a lump a few years ago (thankfully it was nothing) but the breast specialist @jamesharvey.breastsurgeon was incredible and extremely thorough.”
She added: “So I was reassured when Tom was under his care. The wait was painful as always. One of my male pals had breast cancer many years ago. I knew it was rare, but it happens.
“Tom had no idea that men could even get breast cancer. Thankfully Toms results came back and it was a gynaecomastia. Which is actually quite common in men.”
(Image: Instagram/auntiecath17)
As written on the NHS website, gynaecomastia is a common condition that causes boys’ and men’s chests to swell and become larger than normal.
Breast cancer in men is rare – with 350 men diagnosed each year in the UK while 55,000 women are diagnosed per annum.
Catherine, who played Eva Price in Corrie, continued: “We are so relieved. 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.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
“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. Check your pecs lads!#malebreastcancer#checkyourpecs.”
She went on to thank the NHS and her husband’s surgeon.
The star was inundated with praise from her followers, including a health professional who thanked her for raising awareness.
They said: “As a cancer nurse who has looked after many men with breast cancer, thank you for sharing this on a bigger platform, awareness, dispelling myths and removing fear/shame is so important.”
Ex-Corrie co-star Sally Dynevor commented: “Oh Cath this is so important to share. Thank you so much. James Harvey is fabulous. Love to you both.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
