Coronation Street star confirms Bernie’s double mastectomy decision

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The heartbreaking reality that thousands of men and women in this country face daily is staring Coronation Street, Bernie Winter in the face. The Queen of Roy’s Rolls’ world came to a complete stop when she discovered that her family carries the BRCA gene – which means she, her childrenGemma Winter-Brown (Dolly-Rose Campbell), Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) and grandsonBrody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) all have an increased likelihood of cancer. Actress Jane Hazlegrove, who plays our beloved Bernie, shares her character’s first thoughts after receiving the life-changing news. ‘I don’t think she can believe it, honestly. She’s determined to do absolutely everything she can to stop it. Even when Kit points out that there’s nothing she can do about a gene pool, she is adamant that they won’t go through this again. She’s trying to keep the whole family together, which is very much her role.’ In typical Bernie fashion,she approaches this stark health crisis like she’s gearing up for a fight. But this may not be a fight she can win, seeing as her son Kit has already been secretly diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Bernie’s life has been upended by the BRCA gene revelation. (Picture: ITV) Kit has suffered in silence with his diagnosis. (Picture: ITV) Kit is not alone. Around 400 to 420 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year. For comparison, roughly 59,000 women are diagnosed annually. Approximately 1 in 870 men in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Jane Hazlegrove is no stranger to BRCA. Not only did she do her research, but she’s got some first hand experience. ‘I knew a little bit about BRCA and male breast cancer personally, as someone in my life dealt with it a long time ago. It’s rarely discussed or referred to, so I was thrilled that Corrie was starting this conversation. In my own recent experience at a breast clinic, I saw only one pamphlet on the wall regarding male breast cancer, yet there were two men there at the same time. It blew my mind. We need to be having these conversations.’ ‘Regarding my own research for Bernie’s story, I was already familiar with the BRCA gene because, unfortunately, many people have their own stories to tell. On my mother’s side of the family, many women passed away in their 40s.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘When I was living in London, my mother was tested for the BRCA2 gene because all of her first cousins were very ill, and not all of them survived. They tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, though my mother did not have it.’ ‘I also had another friend who, much like Bernie’s story, was told by an aunt to get tested. She discovered she was a carrier of the mutation, as were her sister and her brother. Both women underwent elective mastectomies in their 30s and had their ovaries removed as well. They are doing fine now. I think that is the key message: get tested and share your family history with others.’ That’s certainly the route that Bernie is taking. But if there’s no other option, would she herself consider a mastectomy? Will Bernie’s medical news impact her relationship with Dev? (Picture: ITV) Jane talks frankly about the impossible choice facing her character. ‘She has some massive decisions to make. For a woman pushing 60, deciding to lose her breasts is huge, especially because she and Dev are such a physical couple.’ ‘But she has about a 70% chance of developing breast cancer, and she wants to be around for her grandkids and the quads. She’s determined to stick around.’ ‘ She’s not sure what the psychological effects of the surgery will be, but she has to make a decision and she says “I’m still going to be me.’ It’s going to be a long road, but she’s not going anywhere.’ Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale Arrow MORE: Coronation Street legend attacked as new spoiler videos reveal what’s next Arrow MORE: Kit told he could die in Coronation Street as he gets cancer update Arrow MORE: Bernie’s cancer results confirmed on Coronation Street as Kit loses it The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.