Coronation Street spoilers follow, while this article also discusses subject matter which viewers may find upsetting.
Coronation Street has announced a groundbreaking new storyline involving Kit Green, with the police officer set to be diagnosed with breast cancer following concerns about his own health.
The discovery comes as his family learn that they carry the BRCA mutation gene, with Bernie and Gemma – Kit’s mother and half-sister – getting themselves checked out. Unbeknownst to them, Kit has been battling with his own health.
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He soon gets a check-up, though he is stunned to be diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. A new promotional video from the ITV soap depicts the moment where Kit goes to hospital, with the arc set to begin next month.
The storyline has been developed with Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Now in order to accurately portray Kit’s reality. Though rare, it is thought that over 500 men per year are diagnosed with breast cancer, with it accounting for 1% of cases.
Many men don’t realise that they can get breast cancer, with it often leading to embarrassment, delayed diagnoses and higher mortality rates. Kit will initially be in denial, though he soon comes to accept the life-changing news.
“I genuinely didn’t know that men could get breast cancer,” said Jacob Roberts, who plays Kit. “I felt, to make it authentic, that Kit shouldn’t know that men can get breast cancer either.
“Speaking to charities and male survivors has been really insightful. Lots of men don’t know they can get this, and for Kit it’s that utter disbelief of ‘how can this be?’ Not only for his age, but ‘how can I have this as a bloke and who else in the family could be affected?'”
The storyline will see Kit and Bernie’s family face the “overwhelming impact” of the devastating news, with it depicting the “different coping mechanisms” that people can adopt as they face an uncertain future.
“This diagnosis absolutely shakes the foundations of Kit’s life as he struggles to digest what this means not only for him, but also for his family and loved ones,” added Corrie producer Kate Brooks.
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“Kit’s a complex character, and he struggles as he navigates this new world he’s been thrust into. His vulnerabilities become all too apparent as he wrestles with what this means to his sense of identity.
“Whilst male breast cancer is rare, it’s important that we show it can happen to anyone. We must normalize conversations around this to encourage people to consult their GP at the earliest opportunity if any changes arise.”
Dany Bell, Cancer Care Strategic Adviser for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “The team at Coronation Street has worked tirelessly to represent breast cancer in men accurately and responsibly.
“I know many people diagnosed with cancer will be able to relate with Kit’s feelings of shock and anxiety. Going through cancer can be one of the toughest challenges many people will ever face, but this storyline reminds us that no one has to go through cancer alone.
“Along with Kit being surrounded by caring family and friends, Macmillan is also there to support everyone affected by cancer,” they continued, while also noting the charity’s various services.
“We hope that this story will help show that nobody facing cancer in the UK has to struggle in silence. We’re here for everyone affected by cancer, whoever or wherever they are,” they concluded.
ITV
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Sally Kum, Associate Director of Nursing and Health Information at Breast Cancer Now, said in a statement: “Kit’s story serves as a powerful reminder that breast cancer can happen to anyone.
“Male breast cancer is very rare, but raising awareness and normalising conversations around the disease is crucial, to encourage men to check their chest regularly and see their GP if they notice new or unusual changes.”
“We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure that it’s portrayed authentically,” she added, before noting that the storyline would portray the “family complexities”.
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.