A grandfather-of-two has issued a warning to men after being successfully treated for breast cancer.
Mike Burrows discovered a pea-sized lump on the side of his right breast while showering just weeks after retiring last year. Initially dismissing it as temporary swelling, Mike eventually decided to consult his GP when the lump didn't go away after a week.
Reflecting on his decision to take action, Mike, 69, said, "But I’m looking back now and I’m thinking, I’m glad I had the common sense to do something about it because, had I not, I might not be sitting here now." He called his GP and was promptly booked in for an appointment the following day. After further examinations and a biopsy at Royal Derby Hospital, Mike received the life-changing news on October 25, 2022, that he had Stage 2 breast cancer.
Breast cancer in men is considered rare, with less than 1% of breast cancer cases in the UK occurring in males, according to Cancer Research UK. Mike, who hails from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and his wife Jackie, a 62-year-old paramedic, were left shellshocked by the diagnosis.
He recounted: "I was just staring at the floor in the consultation room. I just didn’t know what to say, nothing would come out of my mouth. You’ve reached the age of 68, and you think that you’ve got through life fairly unscathed, and then all of a sudden, you get something like this. It took my breath away."
Mike subsequently underwent a mastectomy, a surgical procedure to remove breast tissue, on November 28, which confirmed the Stage 2 diagnosis. He later underwent a course of radiotherapy in March, which left him fatigued. While Mike has been given the all-clear, he believes there is a lack of awareness surrounding male breast cancer.
Despite the relative rarity of male breast cancer, Mike hopes that sharing his experience will inspire more men to come forward and seek help if they notice changes in their bodies. He expressed his pride in his wife Jackie, who will be participating in Breast Cancer Now's Pink Ribbon Walk on July 8, walking 20 miles with a group of friends to raise funds for research and support.
Stressing the importance of men not letting pride get in the way of seeking help, he said: "It’s the old thing that keeps getting put out, that men do not act on something that’s wrong, they do not pick up the phone and call the doctor. But if I can achieve at least one male going to the doctors and getting checked out, then that will make me so pleased because I think there are a lot of men out there who don’t act on it."
Breast cancer in men is often overlooked, as it is commonly associated with women. The NHS notes that it typically occurs in men over the age of 60 and develops in the small amount of breast tissue behind the nipples.
During his time in the hospital, Mike noticed a lack of literature and resources specifically tailored to men with breast cancer. Feeling out of place in an environment predominantly designed for women, he said: "All the diagrams and information didn’t bear in mind that this can happen to a man." He highlighted the significance of making men feel comfortable and supported during their journey with breast cancer, acknowledging that some may be deterred by the perception of male breast cancer being exclusively a women's issue.
Despite enduring physical and emotional challenges, Mike remains determined to raise awareness and encourage more men to take their health seriously. He emphasised the excellent treatment he received from the NHS and expressed gratitude for the guidance he received along the way..
Looking back on his experience, he said: “Was it luck? Or was it just common sense? I don’t know.
“But I’m looking back now and I’m thinking, I’m glad I had the common sense to do something about it because, had I not, I might not be sitting here now.”
“If more men acted on it, then maybe we can stop cancer in men later on,” he added.
“Men just need to be aware that, if something’s not right or they’ve noticed a change, don’t just think: ‘Oh, it’ll go away next week,’ because it may not.
“If I’d have done that, mine wouldn’t have gone away.”
To support Breast Cancer Now's Pink Ribbon Walk event and join the fight against breast cancer, visit www.breastcancernow.org/ribbonwalk.
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