My unusual diagnosis has spring boarded me into a world of new experiences and extraordinary people. By saying yes more I have started modelling for national household names and fashion brands. I have danced a rhumba and been judged by a world champion rhumba expert. Recently I’ve started writing a book about stepping out of your comfort zone and into your new life.
It all started back in 2016 when I was play fighting with my daughter Evie and she elbowed me in my left breast. I felt a slight discomfort at the time and later that day I found a pea sized lump behind my left nipple.
My tiny scar is a powerful reminder to never ignore any change in your body.
After finding a pea sized lump behind my left nipple, I immediately went to the doctors. Within two weeks I was told I ‘Might’ have breast cancer and 8 days later it was confirmed. All credit to the UK’s NHS speed I had a mastectomy a month later. My whirlwind cancer journey was over almost as soon as it had begun. And luckily, I didn’t need chemo or radiotherapy.
Now I’m on a mission to raise awareness for breast cancer in both men and women. Early diagnosis saved my life and saved the health system tens of thousands of pounds.
So, if you’re ever in doubt about a lump, unexpected blood, texture change or any other change in your body, please, please get it checked out.
It might save your life, it saved mine
Phil Alderson is a recently diagnosed breast cancer survivor, early diagnosis advocate, dad, dancer, entrepreneur and model. Visit Phil’s website: Phil Alderson | Just another Male Breast Cancer Survivor