Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing: Overview, Physiologic Characteristics of PSA, Other Prostate Cancer Markers

Derby Dad Was Unaware Men Got Breast Cancer Until Diagnosis

Image caption,

Mr Sweeney will be taking part in a fashion show where "models will celebrate who they've become and reflect on their experiences with breast cancer"

By Jude Winter

BBC News, Derby

A dad who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer wants to spread awareness that men can get the disease.

Geoff Sweeney, from Derby, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 after discovering a lump near his left armpit, which he nearly ignored.

In November 2023, Mr Sweeney, who is 52, was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.

Mr Sweeney said: "At no stage in my life did I think men could get breast cancer."

According to NHS UK, there are about 240 new cases of breast cancer for men each year, less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Mr Sweeney told BBC Radio Derby his mother and step mother both died of the same cancer but he was unaware men could get it, too.

'Glad I checked'

His lack of knowledge of the cancer in men nearly prevented him from seeking medical advice when he discovered a 3cm lump near his left armpit in 2020.

"It was only when I fell off a climbing wall and I bruised my chest when I was forced to check myself and found a lump", said Mr Sweeney.

"Being a typical bloke, it wasn't painful and I thought it was nothing to worry about and that it would just go away. I had a thought where I should ask to the doctor to check out the lump whilst I was there for something else, thank god I did."

"If I had left it, it would have probably finished me off a lot sooner than it's going to now."

"As men we always think of ourselves as the providers, the strong and invincible ones and the ones to always be there for our family. Suddenly I was in a very vulnerable position where my family were upset, but I say a problem shared is a problem aired."

Image caption,

Mr Sweeney said he was in "so much pain" when he received his second diagnosis

Mr Sweeney's initial treatment after his diagnosis in September 2020, which included chemotherapy and radiotherapy, was successful.

After experiencing severe pain which affected his ability to walk, sit and lie down, Mr Sweeney underwent a CT scan which revealed the cancer had returned and spread to his spine and lungs.

"I was in so much pain when I was secondly diagnosed, however, the chemotherapy has shrunk my tumours by 50% so I have been in a different place than I was."

Mr Sweeney hopes that more can be done to include and support men living with breast cancer.

"Breast cancer is seen as a very pink, female-exclusive disease, and quite rightly so, compared with the number of women that get diagnosed every year, but we all have breast tissue", he said.

To raise awareness, Mr Sweeney is taking part in "The Show" by the charity Breast Cancer Now, where he will be on a catwalk alongside 24 other models who are all living with or beyond breast cancer.

Mr Sweeney added: "The fashion show is my own milestone where I'll be with the other models, if that's what they want to call me.

"If all of this makes one person go and get themselves checked out, then I've done my job.

"Men, you are not too important to put yourself first."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.Co.Uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

7 Causes Of Lumps In Your Armpit

Finding a lump in your armpit can be worrisome, especially if it's painful or appears unexpectedly. The lump could be a sign or symptom of conditions like breast cancer or hidradenitis suppurativa, but it might also emerge because of shaving or as a vaccine side effect.

These types of lumps additionally will go away on their own or with treatment. Read on to learn about armpit lumps, including how they're diagnosed and treated and when to see a healthcare provider.

In general, a person could experience armpit lumps due to: Cysts—fluid-filled tissue pockets Infections Swollen lymph nodes—small structures that are part of the immune system 1. Breast Cancer Lumps or swelling in the armpit can be one of the symptoms of breast cancer. The lumps may be the result of breast cancer spreading to armpit lymph nodes. It is important to note, though, that changes related to the breast are more often not associated with cancer. 2. Breast Infections Like breast cancer, breast infections—which are breast tissue infections caused by bacteria—can lead to swollen armpit lymph nodes. Other signs of a breast infection include: Breast lumps and pain Breast tissue swelling, tenderness, and warmth Fever Flu-like symptoms Itchiness Nipple discharge One-sided breast enlargement or fullness Skin redness 3. Cat Scratch Disease Sometimes, cat saliva can contain infection-causing bacteria. When a cat with this bacteria in their saliva bites, licks, or scratches you, the resulting infection is called cat-scratch disease. You could end up with a lump in your armpit from lymph node swelling if a scratch or bite occurs on your arm. 4. Cysts Cysts can appear in your armpit and cause lumps after you've shaved. You can also develop armpit lumps from antiperspirants—products that reduce how much you sweat—but not deodorants. 5. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Painful lumps within the skin, including in your armpit, can be a sign of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The lumps commonly occur where one part of your skin touches another. HS can sometimes have the same appearance as acne and pimples, but they are different skin conditions. 6. Lipoma It may be a lipoma if your lump isn't red, inflamed, or filled with pus. Lipomas are noncancerous, fatty tissue tumors. While you can get lipomas at any age, they mostly form in adults between 40 and 60. There is no known cause of them other than possibly your genetics. 7. Vaccines Lymph nodes in your armpit can also become swollen due to vaccines as part of an immune response. For example, Gardasil—the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), a set of viruses that can lead to some types of cancer—lists swollen lymph nodes as a side effect. COVID-19 vaccines may also lead to swollen lymph nodes. One study found that 44% of participants experienced swollen lymph nodes in their armpits after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. To diagnose armpit lumps, a healthcare provider will do a physical exam, which typically involves gently pressing on the lump. The provider will also likely ask you questions to get more information, such as when you noticed the lump or if anything makes it worse. Other tests may be necessary based on what the provider finds during the physical exam, such as: Biopsies, where providers get a sample of tissue for lab examination Imaging tests, like X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, to get pictures of soft tissues Swab tests for sores or wounds that are leaking fluid to determine if you have an infection Treatment for lumps in the armpit will depend on what caused the lump. For example, you may have to avoid shaving or switch antiperspirants. Some lumps might also require surgical removal—like in the case of lipomas—while others can go away over time if they're a vaccine side effect. A lump in your armpit doesn't always have a serious cause. Talk to a healthcare provider if you experience armpit lumps or swollen lymph nodes in the armpits: Accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss That are unexplained That feel hard, have grown larger, or have worsening pain That could be a potential breast cancer sign With an irregular shape or in a fixed position Causes of lumps in the armpit generally include cysts, infections, and swollen lymph nodes. Some armpit lumps may be harmless—resulting from actions like shaving or using antiperspirants—while others can be a potential sign of breast cancer or infections. The diagnosis for armpit lumps can include physical exams and testing, and treatment for these types of lumps will vary based on the cause. See a healthcare provider if you have concerns about armpit lumps and if you have additional symptoms like pain and night sweats.

Thanks for your feedback!

I Have A Lump In My Armpit - Should I Be Worried?

The armpit is rich in sweat glands and the pores from these can become blocked, which may go on to become infected, causing a sore lump. Many of these do eventually go on their own, so leave it alone for a week, and see if it gets better.

If it doesn't, or if it enlarges, then you will need to see a doctor. The best way to find a new GP in your area is to ring your local health authority.

If you find that the local practices are full, and not taking on new patients, then you are entitled to be seen as an emergency patient. Alternatively, you could go to your local NHS direct walk-in centre.

---