A Hereford man is recovering after overcoming the traumas and stigmas of breast cancer.

John Billingham is one of only 200 men in the country who contract the tumour each year.

The 69-year-old of Three Elms Road, said a family history of cancer had taught him the illness could take many forms, but was still shocked when he was diagnosed with the disease.

"My mother had breast cancer and my late wife had cancer in the jaw, so I knew a bit about it," he said. "But when I felt something behind my right nipple, I did not really expect it to be cancer, and I remember thinking 'why me' when the doctor told me."

Ten days after the diagnosis a successful operation removed the tumour along with John's breast, and 13 radiotherapy sessions put him on the road to recovery.

As breast cancer is so uncommon in men, John recognises it can be a taboo subject with many of his fellow male sufferers.

"I knew one guy who had a massive scar on his chest following his operation," he explained.

"I don't know whether it was shame or embarrassment, but he used to tell people it was from an old war wound."

Nearly two years after his mastectomy, John is happy to talk about his experience and offer his advice to any men worried about breast cancer.

"I now take tamoxifen to help with swelling in my arm following the operation, but I am more than happy to help people in any way I can," said John, who met The Prince of Wales when he opened the new Haven Trust Centre in Hereford last week.

To make contact with John, call the Haven Trust in St Owen Street, Hereford, on 01432 361050.