MAY I encourage everyone to support the Breast Cancer Now vision highlighted by Catherine Forster (HAS, Oct 12). The effects of cancer can be devastating not only to the sufferer but also their loved ones.

Despite the chances of me developing breast cancer as a man being low at about one in 1,000 I’m aware one per cent of the current breast cancer sufferers are men.

The male population of County Durham is over a quarter of a million, which means some 250 of us men are likely become sufferers. I urge everyone to carry out regular checks on their bodies and look for unexplained growths or skin colour changes and seek advice if necessary.

I would remind men in particular that cancer doesn’t care how macho you think you are. Take action for your own good.

B. Jackson, Sacriston