Brought to you by the Irish Cancer Society
“Men can be reluctant to talk or to get support but it does help.”
In 2016, 30-year-old Michael Reynolds had noticed a lump on his chest and went to see his doctor, who referred him for further tests. Eventually, he was sent to Galway University Hospital for a biopsy.
One week later, he was told he had stage two breast cancer.
It was a diagnosis that very few men ever expect to hear. Breast cancer might be more commonly associated with women, but a small number of men are diagnosed in Ireland every year.
“I did initially think it might be breast cancer but I was convincing myself it was anything else so it was still a big surprise to get the news,” he said.
Michael had a mastectomy and four cycles of chemotherapy. For the next five years, he will be on the medication tamoxifen.
Support
While the physical strain of chemotherapy is difficult enough, the emotional side can be just as challenging. As Michael would tell you himself, it’s important for anyone going through cancer to reach out for support whenever it is needed.
He decided to get in contact with the Irish Cancer Nurseline for support, and availed of counselling as well. Money raised by the public through the Cups Against Breast Cancer fundraiser will help fund the Cancer Nurseline and free counselling for those affected by cancer.
“During treatment, the oncology team are there for you the whole time. What I found difficult was when treatment ended, that support drops off. If I had an ache or pain or was concerned about anything I would ring the Nurseline for advice and the nurses were very helpful. I also had some counselling too.”
“I found it difficult enough with this support, so I can’t imagine going through cancer without it. Men can be reluctant to talk or to get support but it does help,” he said.
This October, the Irish Cancer Society is asking members of the public to hold a Cups Against Breast Cancer coffee morning to support the fight against breast cancer. Money raised will fund breast cancer research and free services to support breast cancer patients and their families. So get your cups out for a good cause this October, and host a Cups Against Breast Cancer coffee morning.
Brought to you by the Irish Cancer Society
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