Just reach out and ask for support

When Brett Wilson from Queensland was diagnosed with breast cancer it came as a surprise.  “I felt fear initially, and to be honest confusion about how I – as a man – could get breast cancer,” he says.  

Brett detected a small, hard lump in his right breast while resting in bed one weekend. “I asked my wife to feel it and she agreed it was weird, so I booked a doctor’s appointment as soon as I could get in,” Brett says. “The GP recommended an ultrasound, but we were all busy and had a family holiday, so I wasn’t in a rush.” 

A few months later Brett’s GP followed up on the ultrasound, so Brett booked in. The sonographer indicated it would need a biopsy, which was done a week later. Within two days, Brett’s GP requested an immediate appointment. The diagnosis was for grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. “There were some difficult conversations with my kids and those around me who didn’t realise this could happen to men,” Brett says.  

Brett has a family history of breast cancer, with his mother having been diagnosed twice. Brett has since found out he carries the BRCA gene.  

“When first diagnosed I thought okay – just like mum I’ll need a lumpectomy – but due to men having far least breast tissue than women, most men need a mastectomy,” Brett says. “My right single mastectomy included the removal of the nipple, surrounding tissue, and some lymph nodes.”  

Brett drew on support from BCNA, which he says improved his journey. “At the time, this was incredibly confronting for me, and I didn’t know what to feel,” he says. “I had thoughts of despair and incredible anxiety as to what would happen to me moving forward. 

“I used several BCNA resources including the Helpline, booklets sent to me and some great information from the website,” he says.  

Brett also credits the support of his loved ones in making the process easier. “Luckily, I have a very supportive wife and friends, and we are using this experience to educate people,” he says. “Having a positive attitude to the change in my body has really helped, as well as having some fun, like coming up with inventive stories as to how I got my scar.  

“Yes, it’s an unbelievably tough journey, but once you embrace it you can either let it define or you can define your own journey – which is what I am trying to do.”   

He now wants to pay it forward by sharing his story and making others aware that breast cancer isn't just a women’s disease. “Breast cancer does happen to men, so if you detect something don’t delay any testing or ultrasounds,” he says. “If you are diagnosed as a man, there is support and plenty of it – just reach out and ask.” 

Brett’s breast cancer diagnosis has ultimately shaped his philosophy on life moving forward. “Live in the moment, don't take a minute for granted, and hold your loved ones closer,” he says. “And to the men – you can get breast cancer too – so guys, check your tits!”