Can men get breast cancer? Kit's Coronation Street storyline explained, with the real-life support behind it

When Kit Green went to hospital to collect his test results at the end of August, breast cancer was not something he had even considered. The police detective, played by Jacob Roberts, was told he had stage 3 breast cancer, and Coronation Street has since followed him from that first shock into treatment.

For plenty of viewers, the storyline has raised a simple question that many people have never thought to ask: can men get breast cancer?

The answer is yes. It is rare, making up less than one per cent of all breast cancer cases according to both ITV and Macmillan Cancer Support, yet it does happen.

Breast Cancer Now says around 400 men are diagnosed in the UK each year, most of them over 60, although younger men can be affected too. Because so many men assume it is a disease that only affects women, ITV notes that embarrassment and a lack of awareness can lead to men being diagnosed later than they should be.

How Kit's story began

Unknown to his family, Kit had already sought medical help over a health concern, and he arrived at the hospital for his results with breast cancer nowhere on his radar.

At the same time, a family secret came to light after the death of his estranged Aunt Celeste, as it emerged that the family may carry a faulty BRCA gene. That left his mum Bernie and half-sister Gemma facing genetic testing of their own.

From the outset, ITV said the story would follow Kit from diagnosis through denial and into treatment, and Macmillan has described a character who finds it hard to talk to his family, friends and colleagues about what is happening to him.

Sarah asked Kit to act as a character reference ahead of her trial and he refused, so Bethany urged him to think again, at which point Kit told her that he had cancer and was having chemotherapy. The following day he prepared for his first session, with Brody calling in to see him and Bernie at his side in hospital.

Why the BRCA gene matters

The family history element gives the storyline a reach beyond Kit himself. Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but inheriting a harmful change in either one from a parent can significantly raise the lifetime risk of certain cancers.

Breast Cancer Now points out that BRCA2 in particular is more commonly associated with breast cancer in men, which is why a diagnosis in one relative can prompt others to look into their own risk. In Kit's case, the secret Aunt Celeste left behind has turned his illness into something the whole family has to face together.

The signs to look out for

NHS guidance lists a lump or swelling in the chest or armpit as the main symptom, and Breast Cancer Now adds that such a lump is often painless. Other signs include discharge from the nipple, which may contain blood, a nipple that turns inwards or develops a rash, sores or ulcers on the chest, and a change in the size or shape of either side of the chest.

The NHS stresses that these symptoms are often caused by something other than cancer, but anyone who notices a change that is not normal for them should see their GP, because finding cancer early can make it easier to treat.

The charities behind the storyline

Coronation Street worked with both Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Now to make Kit's experience as accurate as possible. Dany Bell, Macmillan's cancer care strategic adviser, helped shape the scripts, while Breast Cancer Now's associate director of nursing and health information, Sally Kum, said the team drew on the charity's expertise to portray the family history and the impact of treatment authentically.

Producer Kate Brooks said: "Whilst male breast cancer is rare, it's important that we show it can happen to anyone." Jacob Roberts has been open about the fact that he was unaware of it himself before the storyline came along, admitting: "I genuinely didn't know that men could get breast cancer." Talking to the charities and to men who had been through it showed him how many others share that gap in their knowledge.

Anyone affected by cancer can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, or visit the charity's online community, which is open around the clock. Breast Cancer Now's specialist nurses can be reached on 0808 800 6000 on weekdays from 9am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

What happens next for Kit

Kit's treatment has only just begun, and with Sarah's trial over, having been found Not Guilty, and Bethany discovering she is pregnant after a one night stand with Kit, the weeks ahead are likely to prove difficult for Kit, and he will need the support of his family, friends, and coworkers around him.

You can keep up with what is coming up on the cobbles with our Coronation Street previews, and the story continues on ITV1 and ITVX.

Images: ITV.