Coronation Street is launching a new storyline that will see DC Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) diagnosed with breast cancer, as bosses aim to "normalise conversations" around the condition in men.
The world's longest-running soap has previously featured cancer storylines involving characters such as Hayley Cropper, Alma Halliwell, and Sally Webster. In recent years, Toyah Battersby was diagnosed with a rare form of germ cell ovarian cancer before getting the all-clear, and Kevin Webster battled testicular cancer.
Kit's Diagnosis and Family History
Kit's discovery follows the passing of his estranged Aunt Celeste, who leaves behind the secret that the family carries the familial BRCA gene. Bernie Winter (Jane Hazelgrove), revealed as Kit's long-lost mum over two years ago, and half-sister Gemma (Dolly Rose Campbell) will face testing in the coming weeks. However, Kit has already been seeking medical help after concerns over his health.
With breast cancer not initially on his radar, Kit is shocked to hear he has stage 3 breast cancer, posing a serious threat to his life. In the UK, almost 500 men face the same diagnosis every year, and although it accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, many do not realise that men can get it.
Producer and Charity Insights
Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks said: "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. 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."
Brooks added: "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."
The programme has partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Now to portray the story accurately. Dany Bell, Cancer Care Strategic Adviser for Macmillan Cancer Support, helped shape the script and said: "The team at Coronation Street has worked tirelessly to represent breast cancer in men accurately and responsibly and Macmillan is proud to have partnered with ITV on this story."
Bell continued: "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."
Support and Awareness
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, said: "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. While most changes won't be cancer, the earlier it's diagnosed, the better the chances of treating it successfully."
Kum added: "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, particularly some of the complexities around family history and how Kit may navigate the impacts of his diagnosis and treatment."
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
