New Brighton dad diagnosed with breast cancer after being 'elbowed in chest'

In July 2016, after finding the lump and experiencing discomfort in the left side of his chest, Phil Alderson decided to book an appointment with his GP.

The 50-year-old dad said he “didn’t think anything of it” but decided to visit his local doctors to get it checked.

Phil told the Globe: “It was just a normal Sunday afternoon, and I was lounging on my sofa with my daughter playfighting. She fell on me and elbowed me in the chest.

“When I felt the lump, I thought it was just a cyst and I would be told to go home.”

Phil Alderson, 50, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 (Image: Image: Phil Alderson)

However, after a visit to his GP, Phil was referred to Clatterbridge Hospital where he underwent a full day of appointments.

A week later, after undergoing physical examinations, a biopsy, an ultrasound, and a mammogram, Phil was told he had stage two breast cancer.

Phil said: “It’s not what you want to hear. I got incredibly upset.

“I remember I was just sat there staring down at the date upside down on a piece of paper when the doctor was trying to explain to me. I was overcome with emotion.”

Phil was then introduced to a Macmillan cancer nurse who offered him emotional support.

Phil said: “I was really anxious at the time, but all the nurses and staff were so lovely and supportive.”

Phil underwent a mastectomy to remove his left breast and was told the cancer had not spread.

“So many positive things have come from my diagnosis." (Image: Image: Phil Alderson)

He said: “I was anxious at the time, but I was in a headspace of whatever will happen will happen and whatever comes my way I will just deal with it.”

The night before he received his results, Phil said reality began to seep in.

He said: “It kind of hit me and I became very scared. I just left my house and began walking.

“I just wanted to sit outside in the sun, so I sat outside the Twelfth Man pub in Greasby and thought this is getting a bit real now.

“So, I ended up ringing the Samaritans who were really supportive. It was nice to talk to someone who wasn’t connected.”

Phil after his surgery to remove the breast cancer (Image: Image: Phil Alderson)

Since receiving the all-clear, Phil has been campaigning to raise awareness of the disease and spread the importance of early detection.

He said: “So many positive things have come from my diagnosis.

“I’ve met so many amazing people from the cancer community and my experience has taught me not to automatically fear the worst.

“Cancer doesn’t need to be a life sentence if caught early enough. This is why it’s important to know your own normal and get things checked.”

Phil Alderson for Moonpig breast cancer campaign (Image: Image: Moonpig)

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Phil has recently worked with Moonpig to highlight the importance of self-checks and how early detection can save lives with a new range of free cards in collaboration with ITV’s Lorraine Change + Check campaign. 

You can find the range on the Moonpig website here.