Brave Sheffield man's breast cancer battle

18 March 2015

A SHEFFIELD man has shared his story of fighting breast cancer - a diagnosis which is rare in men and affects just 350 men compared to 50,000 diagnoses per year for women.

Martin White, of Hillsborough, was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the young age of 17 and having undergone surgery followed by radiotherapy treatment at Weston Park Hospital was hopeful that his cancer journey was behind him.

After a turbulent year and six months after surgery, Martin got the all clear and despite missing lots of school, he managed to pass his A-level exams and go on to a career in town planning.

But 25 years later in September 2013, Martin, who, ever since initial diagnosis was given yet another shocking diagnosis, and this time, he really thought his luck had run out.

Martin (42) found a small lump in his left breast and ahead of his appointment with the GP, was instantly concerned that after such a long time of being cancer-free, the Lymphoma had made an unwelcome return.

To his surprise, Martin found himself back at Weston Park Hospital where he was given the unexpected diagnosis of grade 2 HE2R positive breast cancer which had spread to his lymph nodes.

Martin said, “Although I had already fought cancer once in my life and many of my family members had also bravely battled the disease, I was still understandably shocked that I had to start this daunting journey once again. Like many others, I didn’t associate breast cancer with males and it wasn’t until I saw a display in my local walk-in centre clinic that I realised the possibility of it affecting me.”

Martin underwent chemotherapy, major surgery, plus eighteen rounds of herceptin at Weston Park Hospital before being told the welcome news that his treatment had once again been successful.

Following the end of his treatment this year, in a bid to say thank you to Weston Park Hospital for the wonderful standard of care he received during both cancer battles, Martin is taking in The Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon in April alongside his oncologist, Dr Matt Winter to raise money for the hospital’s dedicated charity.

Martin continued: “Weston Park Hospital provides everyday support to everyone in our region affected by cancer. From the Cancer Support Centre to the daycase worker, the services which are on offer thanks to funding from the cancer charity are vital for improving the patient journey.”

Although Martin is now focusing on training for the running challenge whilst taking hormone tablets, tamoxifen for the next few years, sadly his family’s battle with cancer is far from over.

For many, one cancer diagnosis is hard enough, but for Martin who has personally fought cancer twice, having five of his family members undergo the same struggle in the last ten years is incomprehensible.

In 2006, Martin's Auntie, Clementine Moran was diagnosed with breast cancer and after being treated at Weston Park Hospital sadly passed away surrounded by her family. Just a year later Martin’s mum, Norah, was also diagnosed with the same disease followed by both his younger and older sisters Claire and Georgina just a few years later.

In a cruel twist of fate just three days after Martin’s breast cancer treatment ended, younger sister Claire Griffiths was given the news that her breast cancer had retuned and is currently receiving treatment.

Martin continued, “Our family is a good example of why trying to understand more about cancer is so important. It is better to develop a future where we can offer more preventative actions rather than rely on reactive treatment.”

Weston Park Hospital oncologist, Matt Winter, who Martin credits for his own positive outlook in life, is also taking on the challenge to help raise funds for the cancer charity.

Martin added: “Cancer can come at any age, affect anyone and under any circumstances, so if I can help raise awareness, especially in rare cancers such as male breast cancer, then I will do what I can to help others.”

Charity fundraiser, Sarah Cross said, “Male breast cancer is very rare, so the more Martin can do to raise awareness is great for others who may find themselves in a similar position in the future. We’re urging anyone who wants to join our team on the 12th of April to sign up today and help raise vital sponsorship for the cancer charity.”

To sponsor Martin's run visit his JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/martin-white10/. To sign up for The Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon and run for Team Weston Park visit www.runandraise.org.uk

ENDS

< back