Men diagnosed with breast cancer are being invited to share their experiences in a new, dedicated forum, after research highlighted that males living with and beyond the disease often do not get the support they need. Psychologist Dr Kerry Quincey, an active researcher from the Institute of Psychological Sciences at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), is spearheading the initiative and launching what is believed to be the UK’s first ‘virtual meet-up’ (VMU) for men affected by breast cancer.
The idea came about after Dr Quincey – whose research findings revealed men did not feel they were offered the same level of support as women when undergoing treatment for breast cancer – spoke with US-based charities AnCAN and the Male Breast Cancer Coalition, which together have set up a similar forum in America. Well-known UK breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk, which launched its ‘Men Get Breast Cancer Too!’ campaign in 2017, is also involved in the initiative. The new VMU, which will launch this Thursday 22 October during International Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week, is also supported by NHS clinicians at Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital Breast Care Centre.
“My findings demonstrate a need for improved care and resources for men with breast cancer – including communicative means, and especially between peers,” explained Dr Quincey. “The VMU will be a designated safe space hosted by men, for men, once a month. The meet-ups, which will be free for attendees, will be peer-led and hosted by male breast cancer ‘thrivers’. All men with a history of breast cancer diagnosis, based in UK-convenient time-zones are welcome to join the meetings.”
Dr Quincey has been working alongside breast cancer thriver Doug Harper, who participated in her research study, to develop the concept and get a closer insight into what patients want and need. “I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2012 and because it was and still is so rare in men, it’s hard to find other men talk to,” said Doug. “Speaking to others who have gone through, are going through or about to go through what another individual has, is priceless. I had so much love and support at the time but not having contact with fellow sufferers left a gap in my support system.”
There are approximately 400 new cases of breast cancer in UK men each year and the disease is responsible for proportionally more male deaths annually than some men’s cancers, including penile and testicular forms – 22% of men diagnosed with breast cancer die, compared to around 21% of those with penile and 2.5% of those with testicular. As one of the charity’s ‘go-to experts’, Dr Quincey has a close working relationship with Walk the Walk and has been a strong advocate of their male breast cancer campaign, raising awareness and encouraging students and staff at DMU to check their chests.
Dr Quincey works with many breast cancer charities through her research. Earlier this year she was named the first collaborative psychologist for Against Breast Cancer (ABC), while in August she was named a member of AnCAN’s advisory board. She is also a panel member of the DMU Medical Forum, a national research group set up by fellow lecturer, Associate Professor Gillian Proctor, which aims to improve support for people affected by breast cancer.
The first VMU will take place on Thursday 22 October at 8pm (BST). To join the conversation or for more information, contact Doug Harper by emailing doug@ancan.org.
