George Lawrence-Brown didn’t know men could get breast cancer — until he got it

George Lawrence-Brown thought his sore nipple was just ageing – it couldn’t be breast cancer, because men didn’t get that. Did they?

The dreaded diagnosis “you have breast cancer” came as a shock to George Lawrence-Brown – he wasn’t aware that men get breast cancer.

The diagnosis last December was followed by a mastectomy in February and removal of 22 lymph nodes, then radiotherapy as well as treatment fighting an infection.

About a year ago the cheerful retired fitter and turner, 68, experienced sensitivity in his nipple and when he pressed it was startled to see fluid come out, but did not consider cancer.

“I thought maybe it was age, I’d gone from having a six-pack to having man boobs after all,” he said.

Months later he mentioned to his doctor the nipple had changed shape – a biopsy followed then came the grim news.

George Lawrence-Brown wasn't aware that men can get breast cancer until he was diagnosed with it. Picture: Dean Martin

“I was numb when told, I thought ‘that’s not right, men don’t get breast cancer’,” he said.

“The thing that really helped me through this was the McGrath breast care nurses based at Lyell McEwin Hospital, Debbie Hayes and Catherine Peter, they have been incredible – highly skilled, great support and they helped me through the health system with ease and compassion.”

George Lawrence-Brown with McGrath breast care nurse Catherine Peter. Picture: Chris Pavlich

Mr Lawrence-Brown of Salisbury East is one of 212 Australian men diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

“At first I was a bit afraid to say ‘I have breast cancer’ in public because I am a man, but I realise now that is just being silly and say to other men the smart thing to do is be aware of it,” he said.

McGrath Foundation research indicates one in five people in Australia with breast cancer will miss out on the support of a dedicated breast care nurse this year.

The foundation is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October to campaign for funds to support its goal to fund 250 McGrath breast care nurses by 2025.

Foundation chief executive Holly Masters said: “A breast cancer diagnosis can be life changing and it’s our mission to ensure no-one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse.

“We are calling on Australians to help us to reach our goal because we want to make sure no one misses out on care.”

The foundation now funds 185 McGrath breast care nurses providing free care and support in communities across Australia.