Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley penned an important message to fans after her husband's recent cancer scare.
The soap actress took to social media to reveal her husband Tom Pitfield found a lump in his breast and explained how he didn't know men could get breast cancer.
Breast cancer in men is rare - with 350 men diagnosed each year in the UK while 55,000 women are diagnosed per annum.
Nevertheless, Catherine told followers it's important to check for symptoms.
Sharing a picture of a male nipple on her Instagram page, she wrote: " I pondered over whether to share this or not- but I spoke to my husband and he agreed that it was important.
" @tompitfieldphotography recently found a large lump behind his nipple. Naturally, when you find a lump anywhere, as much as you try not to- you worry. After a scan and an ultra sound GP still wasn’t sure what we were dealing with. So Tom needed a biopsy. I myself found a lump a few years ago (thankfully it was nothing) but the breast specialist @jamesharvey.breastsurgeon was incredible and extremely thorough."
She continued: " So I was reassured when Tom was under his care. The wait was painful as always. One of my male pals had breast cancer many years ago. I knew it was rare, but it happens.
"Tom had no idea that men could even get breast cancer. Thankfully Toms results came back and it was a #Gynaecomastia. Which is actually quite common in Men."
As written on the NHS website, gynaecomastia is a common condition that causes boys' and men's breasts to swell and become larger than normal.
Catherine, who plays Eva Price in Corrie, resumed: "We are so relieved. But our experience has made me want to raise awareness about Men’s Breast cancer. It has come to our attention that most men don’t even realise it’s a possibility.
"Yes it’s rare but it’s absolutely worth checking your pecks Fellas!! Symptoms are Same as for women. Most commonly a lump . Could be distortion, bloody nipple discharge. Check your pecs lads! #malebreastcancer #checkyourpecs."
She went on to thank the NHS and her husband's surgeon.
Upon sharing the information with fans, Catherine was inundated with praise from her followers.
The soap star married her husband in 2016 and the couple shares children together, Alfie and Iris.
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