At a Glance
- David and Pat Penny have endured six cancer diagnoses between them during their 51-year marriage
- David, a veteran and retired firefighter, has faced five cancers including rare male breast cancer
- Pat’s 2009 breast cancer was caught early through a routine mammogram
- The couple now volunteers with the American Cancer Society to promote early detection
- Why it matters: Their story highlights how early screening and self-exams can save lives regardless of age or gender
A North Carolina couple’s 51-year marriage has been marked by an extraordinary battle against cancer, with six diagnoses between them. Their journey has transformed them into passionate advocates for early detection and regular medical screenings.
David and Pat Penny of Johnston County have faced more health challenges than most couples encounter in a lifetime. David, an Army veteran who spent his career as a firefighter, has received five cancer diagnoses. His cancers have included non-Hodgkin lymphoma, sarcoma, and most recently, male breast cancer-a condition that affects only about 1 percent of men.
“He was supposed to be dead at 30,” Pat told local news outlet WRAL. “We’re just blessed. He’s the ever-ready bunny. He takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
David’s most recent diagnosis came in spring 2025 when he discovered a pea-sized lump during a self-exam. “When I felt it, I said, ‘This is not normal,'” he recalled. He underwent a lumpectomy the following week and currently has clear scans.
Pat’s own cancer journey began in 2009 when she was 56 years old. A routine mammogram detected breast cancer that was deeply embedded and wouldn’t have been found through self-examination. “They found my cancer early. It was really deeply embedded. If it had grown to the point where I could’ve found it, it’d have been too late,” she explained.
The couple credits their survival to vigilance and prompt medical attention. Both now volunteer with the American Cancer Society, sharing their story to encourage others to prioritize their health.
“Nobody knows your body but you,” David emphasized. “If you have anything wrong with you, don’t put it off for a week or two weeks hoping it’ll go away.”
Pat stressed that cancer doesn’t discriminate by age. “Early detection and early treatment is so important. There’s no age; just because you’re young or old, either way, you can get cancer. So be aware.”
Their message is particularly relevant given David’s rare male breast cancer diagnosis. While women are encouraged to perform regular self-exams and get mammograms, men often overlook the possibility of developing breast cancer. David’s case demonstrates the importance of self-awareness regardless of gender.
The Pennys’ story also highlights the elevated cancer risk faced by firefighters. Studies have shown that firefighters have higher rates of certain cancers due to exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens during their careers. David’s five diagnoses underscore this occupational hazard.
Through their volunteer work with the American Cancer Society, the couple hopes to prevent others from facing late-stage cancer diagnoses. They emphasize that routine screenings and immediate attention to unusual symptoms can make the difference between life and death.
Their 51-year marriage has been defined not just by longevity but by resilience. From facing David’s initial prognosis that predicted he wouldn’t survive past 30, to navigating multiple cancer treatments together, the Pennys have demonstrated that early detection and proactive healthcare can defy even the most dire predictions.
