ITV Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley thanked…

ITV Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley thanked by fans as she sends message after husband finds lump and undergoes biopsy

Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has shared an important message with her fans about male breast cancer after her husband found a lump. The actress shared that her partner Tom Pitfield had undergone a biopsy and told why she decided to share a picture of Tom’s breast and his recent cancer scare on Instagram.

While breast cancer in men is rare, there are about 350 men diagnosed each year in the UK, compared to around 55,000 cases in women, according to Cancer Research UK. And Catherine suggested that the lack of awareness for male breast cancer meant that finding the lump in his chest came as a surprise to Tom.

Catherine, who played Eva Price in the ITV soap, wrote on the social media platform; "I pondered over whether to share this or not- but I spoke to my husband and he agreed that it was important." She went on to pen: "@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."

Catherine continued: "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."

Catherine, who shares two children - son Alfie and daughter Iris - with Tom, rounded off her post by adding: "Check your pecs lads!" Former Corrie co-star Sally Dynevor as among the first respond. The Sally Metcalfe actress, who found out she had breast cancer herself during a storyline on the soap, said: "Oh Cath this is so important to share. Thank you so much. James Harvey is fabulous. Love to you both."

And fans were also quick to share their support as well as their thanks. @coleyg87 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."

@pdh42 wrote: "Absolutely the right call. I worked for Cancer Research UK and we did see some male patients with breast cancer and since then I have been vocal about it with family and friends." @lisa_gib84 shared: "So glad @tompitfieldphotography is ok the wait is such a worry. Sadly my dad passed from breast cancer so I know how important it is for men to know about it. @auntiecath17 Sending your family lots of love."

@hannahwilliamson1210 commented: "Well done for sharing hun, we need to talk about our health more. Hope you’re both ok." @heatherboothy replied: "Glad he is alright thank goodness Thankyou for raising awareness as you never know." @jenny_1971 added: "Thanks for raising awareness, I work for a Breast Surgeon and most men don't realise breast cancer affects them too! So glad Tom is ok, gynaecomastia is extremely common in men, my dad was diagnosed with it recently and he is 80. Take care both."

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