Mother and Daughter: Breast of Friends - podcast series returns with a focus on men’s health

Mike McCarthy and Becky MeasuresMike McCarthy and Becky Measures
Mike McCarthy and Becky Measures | Becky Measures
Hereditary breast cancer impact on men's mental health and wellbeing is the focus of a new series of an acclaimed celebrity podcast.

Mother and Daughter:Breast of Friends, sponsored by Westfield Health, with support from Graysons Solicitors, is hosted by BBC presenter Becky Measures and her mum Wendy Watson (MBE), founder of the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline

LISTEN: Tune in to the new series on all major podcast platforms from October 1, 2024 and also visit motherdaughterbreastfriends.co.uk.

They both underwent a double mastectomy, to avoid breast cancer, following deaths in their family from the disease. Their podcasts, featuring special guests, including celebrities, promote preventative surgery and raise awareness.

Becky MeasuresBecky Measures
Becky Measures | Becky Measures

The compelling new series will now shed light on the lesser-known impacts of breast cancer on men, as well as the mental health struggles men face, including the startling connection between cancer and mental wellbeing.

They will take listeners on a journey through personal stories, with expert interviews, offering insight into a range of health issues that affect men but are often underrepresented in mainstream discussions.

The podcast explores how men can carry and pass on the BRCA gene mutation to their children, often only becoming aware of their genetic risks through their family history.

The new series will feature Phil Alderson from Liverpool, a male breast cancer survivor, who bravely shares his journey and the unique challenges men face when diagnosed with what is often perceived as a women’s disease.

Becky Measures interviewing with male cancer awareness campaigner Phil AldersonBecky Measures interviewing with male cancer awareness campaigner Phil Alderson
Becky Measures interviewing with male cancer awareness campaigner Phil Alderson | Becky Measures

Coleen Nolan’s son, Shane, discusses his personal connection to breast cancer through his family, who have been deeply affected by the disease.

He shares how hereditary breast cancer has shaped his awareness of the importance of genetic testing and proactive healthcare, and how he has faced his own mental journey in recent years.

The series also puts a strong emphasis on men’s mental health, particularly for those affected by cancer.

Mike McCarthy, former Sky News and BBC reporter, joins to discuss the devastating loss of his son to suicide in 2021, and how this tragedy led him to found Baton of Hope, a charity raising awareness of suicide prevention.

The series highlights the parallels between breast cancer, which is the biggest killer of women under 50, and suicide, the leading cause of death in men, sparking a conversation about the emotional toll of both.

In a remarkable episode, the podcast uncovers an extraordinary story of family discovery.

The hosts meet long-lost relatives from America, tracing their connection through the BRCA1 gene mutation. This family had been unaware of their genetic risk for breast cancer until the podcast hosts’ genealogical research led to the discovery of a family link dating back to the early 1900s, when one of their ancestors emigrated to the US and unknowingly passed on the gene. This episode highlights the importance of genetic testing and the complexities of family history in the battle against hereditary cancer.

This powerful series has been made possible thanks to the generous support of overall sponsor, Westfield Health and Graysons Solicitors, who have continued their sponsorship to help bring these important conversations to life and talk about matters that are not always easy to have.

Diane Lucking , Kim Bilida from Canada , Vanessa Smith , Wendy Watson , Helen Caudwell - all who have the same ancestor - Kim is currently going through testing now she has discovered us as relatives and will find out her results soonDiane Lucking , Kim Bilida from Canada , Vanessa Smith , Wendy Watson , Helen Caudwell - all who have the same ancestor - Kim is currently going through testing now she has discovered us as relatives and will find out her results soon
Diane Lucking , Kim Bilida from Canada , Vanessa Smith , Wendy Watson , Helen Caudwell - all who have the same ancestor - Kim is currently going through testing now she has discovered us as relatives and will find out her results soon | BeckyMeasures

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors,” said Becky Measures , co-host of the podcast.

Mother Daughter, Breast Of Friends podcastMother Daughter, Breast Of Friends podcast
Mother Daughter, Breast Of Friends podcast

“Their commitment allows us to explore crucial health issues, raise awareness, and support listeners with real-life stories and expert insights.”

Wendy's World the Musical, a new musical based on Wendy’s inspirational life, has been written with plans to new bring it from page to stage. It features a song called Check Your Boobs, which has already been recorded featuring an all-star line-up, including a contribution by Harry Potter star Miriam Morgolyes and performances by (Is This The Way To) Amarillo’s Tony Christie and St. Elmo's Fire rocker John Parr.

DOWNLOAD: Get the song, Check Your Boobs, for just £1 with funds going towards bringing Wendy's World the Musical to life - visit wendysworldonline.com.

Tony Christie - pictured centre - and other celebrities sing on Check Your Boobs launch song from planned breast cancer awareness musical, Wendy's WorldTony Christie - pictured centre - and other celebrities sing on Check Your Boobs launch song from planned breast cancer awareness musical, Wendy's World
Tony Christie - pictured centre - and other celebrities sing on Check Your Boobs launch song from planned breast cancer awareness musical, Wendy's World | National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline (NHBCH)

Other celebrities on the recording include comedy veteran Bernie Clifton, Boy and Dolphin and Acoustic Angels frontman John Reilly, Anastasia Walker, of Bang Bang Romeo and Soraya Vivian, the voice behind Clubland and Hed Kandi and UK Pride Ambassador.

It also features Rachel Modest, Shane Nolan, Lyndsey Draycass, Shaun Doane, Nathaniel Morrison, Holly Johnson, Professor Gareth Evans, Sheffield Cancer Choir – a choir of cancer survivors and supporters

They are joined by many who have benefitted from the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline.

READ MORE:

National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline Links:

Tel: 01629 813000

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