Former Emmerdale star Catherine Tyldesley has spoken out about her husband Tom's scare with male breast cancer as she urges others to check for the "rare" symptoms.
Actor Cath, who played the role of Abi Peterson in the long running ITV soap back in 2010, and also Eva Price in Coronation Street took to Instagram to share her husband's story. The actress and mum-of-two revealed that she too had previously found a lump in her breast, but after being checked out she was thankfully given the all clear.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, April, 13, Cath shared a quote with the statistics that one in 200 cases of breast cancer happen in men as she explained Tom's experience.
Read more: The Emmerdale stars who have appeared in other soaps
She penned: "I pondered over whether to share this or not- but I spoke to my husband and he agreed that it was important.
"@tompitfieldphotography recently 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. 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. 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. 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."
She went on to encourage others to 'check their pecks' and thank the NHS, she continued: "Check your pecs lads! #malebreastcancer #checkyourpecs Thankyou to our ever wonderful #NHS and @jamesharvey.breastsurgeon."
The comments section was quickly flooded with support from fans, former co-stars and friends. Sally Webster star Sally Dynevor responded: "Oh Cath this is so important to share. Thank you so much . James Harvey is fabulous. Love to you both."
@heatherbooty penned: "Glad he is alright thank goodness Thankyou for raising awareness as you never know" while @swarren1982 wrote: "So important to share as I never knew thing was even a thing! X"
Read next:
- Emmerdale viewers predict dark twist as Caleb makes sinister threat to Kim
- Danny Malin 'delighted' to try 'gorgeous' new Leeds Greek street food Pittafan
- Helen Skelton shares son's family wish amid live link chaos on ITV's Lorraine show
- Helen Skelton shares answer to 'boyfriend' question following ex Richie Myler's new arrival
- Inside Emmerdale Caleb Milligan star Will Ash’s life from Coronation Street connection to rarely seen kids and co-star friendship
