Coronation Street’s breast cancer in men storyline

Macmillan is proud to be partnering with much-loved soap Coronation Street on their story about breast cancer in men.

We have seen Weatherfield’s Police Detective, Kit Green, face the shock of a diagnosis he thought only affected women, how his life changed overnight and how he struggled to talk to family, friends and colleagues.

Cancer is one of the toughest challenges many people will ever face. If you have been impacted by Kit’s story, Macmillan is here to help.

Coronation Street sign on a wall
Coronation Street sign on a wall

Kit Green's breast cancer diagnosis 

Kit's life changes overnight when he is diagnosed with cancer. We know how hard it can be to make sense of a cancer diagnosis, so we provide information on more than 120 types of cancer, including breast cancer in men.
Two people inside the Rovers Return Inn with Macmillan Cancer Support mugs during the Check Your Cobbles campaign.Two people inside the Rovers Return Inn with Macmillan Cancer Support mugs during the Check Your Cobbles campaign.
Breast cancer in men
If like Kit, you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we have information about breast cancer in men, including the different types, the signs and symptoms, and the treatment options.
 
A Macmillan Support Centre staff is listening to a person talking. They are sat down in the Macmillan Horizon Centre. A Macmillan Support Centre staff is listening to a person talking. They are sat down in the Macmillan Horizon Centre.
Surgery for breast cancer in men
Kit may need to have surgery following his diagnosis. We have more information about the different types of surgery for breast cancer in men, including a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. 
 
A nurse speaks to a male and female patient.A nurse speaks to a male and female patient.
BRCA genes
Kit is worried that his mum Bernie may have the BRCA gene. Everyone has these genes, but changes in them can increase cancer risk.
A Macmillan healthcare professional wearing a green Macmillan Cancer Support fleece and lanyard holds an information booklet in a healthcare setting. The image highlights the support, guidance and information available to people living with cancer and their loved ones.A Macmillan healthcare professional wearing a green Macmillan Cancer Support fleece and lanyard holds an information booklet in a healthcare setting. The image highlights the support, guidance and information available to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Cancer A to Z
As well as breast cancer that Kit is facing, we also have detailed information about more than 120 other types of cancer. Find out about different types of cancer, including symptoms, tests and treatment.  
 
More information about cancer

Support if you need someone to talk to 

Talking about your thoughts and feelings may help you cope with the stress, anxiety and difficult feelings that can happen following a cancer diagnosis. Here are some ways you can talk to someone.
A person wearing a pink coat talks on a mobile phone outdoors near water under a blue sky.A person wearing a pink coat talks on a mobile phone outdoors near water under a blue sky.
Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line offers free and confidential support to people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends.  
A close-up of hands using a laptop on a sofa, with a webpage open on the screen.A close-up of hands using a laptop on a sofa, with a webpage open on the screen.
Online Community
The Online Community is our cancer forum where you can talk to other people with cancer. It's free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   
Person reading information on the Macmillan Cancer Support website on a smartphone.Person reading information on the Macmillan Cancer Support website on a smartphone.
WhatsApp support
If you've had a cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years, the Macmillan 1 to 1: WhatsApp support service offers weekly check-ins with a trained advisor for up to 8 weeks.
Two people sit at a kitchen table talking, with a bowl of fruit and mugs on the table and a sign with positive messages on the wall behind them.Two people sit at a kitchen table talking, with a bowl of fruit and mugs on the table and a sign with positive messages on the wall behind them.
Macmillan Buddies
Macmillan Buddies are trained volunteers who often have a cancer experience. They can support you with a weekly phone call. 
Find more ways we can help

Raising awareness of breast cancer in men

Two people outside the Rovers Return Inn on the Coronation Street set supporting Macmillan Cancer Support's Check Your Cobbles campaign.
Image: Phil and David

Breast cancer in men is rare, making up less than 1% of cases of breast cancer.

Phil and David (pictured) have both been diagnosed with breast cancer and are supporting our partnership with Coronation Street to raise awareness that men can also be diagnosed with the disease.

Phil from Merseyside, aged 54, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Phil was assigned a Macmillan nurse during his first appointment and offered emotional and practical support. Phil spoke to Jacob who plays Kit to help him understand what it feels like having breast cancer as a man to help him play the role.

David from Oldham, Greater Manchester, aged 62 was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in 2019. The cancer spread to David’s lungs in 2023, so it is now classed as stage 4 breast cancer. The cancer is treatable but incurable. David received support from Macmillan through welfare advice, specialist nurses, the Support Line, community forum and local Macmillan support service in Oldham.

Both Phil and David are involved in some exciting social media activity as part of the partnership with Coronation Street.

More about breast cancer in men