Yes, men get breast cancer too

Neveling is the first male breast cancer survivor to join the Journey of Hope 2011 breast cancer awareness team and hopes to dispel the myth that only women get breast cancer.

As the first man to join the Journey of Hope ride, it is important for Neveling to raise awareness that breast cancer is not gender specific. He hopes to change the perception that only women get breast cancer and wants to set the pace for other man to follow in creating awareness.

How to break the news...

Neveling a religious family man, avid biker and fisherman, shares his story, "While I was on a fishing trip in March earlier this year, I injured my back while loading the boat. During a visit to the chiropractor in April, I felt a sharp 'pinch' in my right breast as the doctor applied pressure on my chest. I immediately inspected my breasts to see what the cause was of this strange pain and discovered a lump directly behind the nipple."

"I decided to be 'macho' and decided not to tell my wife until I knew exactly what was going on." During this time Neveling's wife was diagnosed with gallbladder failure and was admitted to hospital.

Neveling continues, "The week that my wife was scheduled to go for surgery, I received the news that I had to have a mastectomy as soon as possible. All I could think of was that my family and children were all living in Johannesburg and wondered how to break such awful news to them. During a family meeting via Skype I shared the news. It was hard for my family to understand how I could have breast cancer as it was supposed to be a 'female thing'. My son flew to Richards Bay immediately to support me during this trying time."

A salute to the 'chemo-sisters'

Neveling says, "Yes breast cancer attacks both male and female, and a lot needs to be done to create awareness that breast cancer is not gender, age or race specific. I have empathy with the lady survivors. I am a survivor that has suffered very much but is flowering in God's garden. I was blessed to meet the special group of Journey of Hope ladies with whom I'm privileged to share the same 'prognoses'. What an inspiring group of ladies referred to as 'survivors'. I salute you all, my chemo-sisters."

The Journey of Hope is a non-profit organisation that has been established to educate people about the importance of early detection and to dispel some of the myths around breast cancer. Over the course of the seven days in October the group, will raise awareness and educate communities about breast cancer while they continue along a personal path of growth and healing by building a supportive community with other people throughout the country.

The team will be travelling through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West Provinces. However, there are also several other outreach programs that will be taking place throughout the year across the country where the survivors will be interacting with the community about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. For more information visit www.journeyofhope.co.za or call 082 840 3633