It was then that Mr Cowan, 62, became one of the approximately 150 Australian men diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Wednesday is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Unlike many men who are too shy to talk about their breast cancer, Mr Cowan is very open about his experience and the importance of men checking their breasts.
Like most people, Mr Cowan had no idea men could get breast cancer and was shocked to discover a lump on his chest while showering.
“I thought it was an ingrown hair, but I showed my wife and she didn’t like the look of it and encouraged me to see a doctor,” he said.
“I wasn’t overly worried about it but when I showed the doctor, he sent me for tests immediately.
“When the news came back that it was breast cancer, I was devastated, my whole family was. I thought I was going to die.”
Mr Cowan’s wife Debra and daughter Celeste were by his side during a mastectomy and chemotherapy that had chronic side effects.
He took leave from his job and said he was incredibly grateful for the support he received during his treatment.
“Chemotherapy was horrible. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy,” Mr Cowan said.
“Luckily, I had the support of my employer, my amazing family and all the team at the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
“BCNA were fantastic. They supported me every step of the way and they made sure my family were coping as well.
“I couldn’t have asked for better treatment during a traumatic part of my life.”
Today, Mr Cowan is in the clear and his future is bright, recently starting a job at Seymour Coaches - that’s why he wants other men to stop thinking breast cancer can’t happen to them.
“I’m a big advocate for men checking themselves because so many people think it can’t happen to them,” he said.
“I’ve told some people about my experience and they thought I was joking. But this is a serious issue that men need to think about.
“Do regular checks of yourself and if you find something concerning, book in and get it checked. It could save your life.”
To show your support for BCNA, head in to Bakers Delight or visit bakersdelight.com.au to pick up a six-pack of “fun buns”, or add a donation to your regular shop.
Bakers Delight will be donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from fun buns to BCNA to allow it to continue providing support for families across the country and ensure no-one goes through a breast cancer diagnosis alone.
For more information about BCNA, visit bcna.org.au
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