In New Zealand, around 25 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year – about one percent of all diagnosed cases in the country.
Upper Hutt resident, Guy Alexander is one of them. Guy (58) was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April 2024 after feeling a lump on the left side of his chest.
“It sounds a bit odd, but I rolled over in bed and laid on the lump. It felt like I was laying on something. I felt it and knew something wasn’t right,” says Guy.
“I called the GP that same day and made an appointment. I had a scan done later that week. I had a biopsy done, which confirmed it was cancer. Before I knew it, a date had been set for surgery. It all happened very quickly.”
Guy admits his diagnosis came as a big shock to him and his family.
“When I received the diagnosis, I felt blank. I didn’t know what to do next. I had been aware that breast cancer in men is something that can happen, but I hadn’t given it any thought. Thankfully all the medical professionals I dealt with gave me a lot of confidence and I felt like I was in good hands,"
Following surgery, which discovered the cancer had spread to Guy’s lymph nodes, he was referred to Bowen Icon Cancer Centre for chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment.
“The way everyone at Bowen Icon goes about their jobs is wonderful. They know their patients are all in a difficult place, so they do their best to make the experience as pleasant as possible,” says Guy.
Guy, an IT manager, says he coped well during his chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. So much so, he was able to keep working from home throughout his treatment cycles.
As an avid home handyman, Guy is now slowly getting back to doing what he enjoys most, including spending time with his beloved family, who were of great support throughout his cancer journey.
He also has an important message to share about being breast cancer aware.
“It did take me a little while to get comfortable with the idea of telling people that I had breast cancer. Nine times out of ten, people would comment that they didn’t know men could get breast cancer,” says Guy.
“If you notice something unusual, get it checked. The best that can happen is the doctor says it’s nothing to worry about. But if it is something, it’s better to be detected early.
“A cancer diagnosis wasn’t on my to-do list for 2024, and I have learned far more than I ever wanted to about cancer. But I’m also grateful that I’ve come out the other side.”
To learn more about breast cancer and treatment options, click here.
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