The wonderful Philip shares his experiences of Breast Cancer and the BRCA2 gene for Men’s Health Week. It is so important we talk about breast cancer in men, and challenge the myth it can only happen to women. Thank you Philip – take it away x
“My story starts when my mother passed away from Breast Cancer back in 1993 following a second diagnosis. Treatment and support weren’t quite as good then and it would be fair to say she was extremely ill in the later stages and from the effects of Chemotherapy.
My younger sister was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer about 7 years ago. We were introduced to the possibility we were carriers of BRCA2 gene, but at the time we didn’t score enough points with the NHS to be tested. Although I saw a consultant, I was told very clearly that I shouldn’t worry at about gene or potentially getting breast cancer.
Well, about two and a half years ago, washing my chest in the shower, I felt a lump. Within days I had been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, and whilst not a surprise, I found myself in shock. I had a full mastectomy, lymph node removal and follow up radio therapy. The hardest part was when the nurse asked if I wanted someone with me when they removed the bandage. I have had a couple of other ops in my time, which left scars, however nothing prepared me for what I saw. Where my left breast tissue was, it was now completely flat, with a wide 6-inch scar, and no nipple. Even as a man, I was not prepared for the sight of nothing on my left side. I cried.
Thankfully, I was helped by a very special and caring MacMillan Cancer Support nurse. As it was during Covid, no one else could be with me in hospital, but luckily my loving family and a great friend who lived nearby were there for me during my recovery. Every morning I still see myself in the mirror after my shower and am so thankful I was treated so quickly.
My family, sister and two daughters were then tested for the BRCA2 gene. I tested positive, as did my sister who was immediately advised to have her other breast and ovaries removed. Worst of all for me is that my eldest daughter Maria also tested positive, and whilst not even having reached her 30th birthday, must face a double mastectomy because I passed on the gene. Everyone says it’s not your fault, but my conscience won’t accept it. I don’t think or worry anymore about myself, but always for my daughter.
As a man I cannot compare to a woman with breast cancer, but it does weigh down on me every day. So, as I understand men with BRCA2 gene are 7 times more likely to contract breast cancer, most cancer charities, breast cancer charities, support groups, mainly focus on woman, even tabloid news reports headline female celebrities who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but no mention of the risks to men. It is real, men do get breast cancer and it affects us in different ways. There must be more support and raising awareness for men, but for me personally, I just wish I had a magic wand that could take the BRCA2 gene away from my daughter.”
Philip Eastell, age 62
Diagnosis November 2020
Massive thank you to Philip for being so open and honest about his experiences, if you have any comments, please pop them in the chat below – and share, share, share – it is such an important read.
