Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Couple Survives Six Cancers, Urges Early Checks
David and Pat Penny are a couple from North Carolina who have faced cancer six times between them.
David, a former Army soldier and firefighter, has been diagnosed with cancer five times, including a rare type of breast cancer in men.
Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.
They both survived because they found the cancer early.
David found a lump in his breast during a self-exam, and Pat's cancer was found during a routine mammogram.
Now, they volunteer to help others understand how important it is to pay attention to their bodies and get regular checkups.
They want everyone to know that if something feels wrong, they should see a doctor right away.
David and Pat Penny, a North Carolina couple, have faced six cancer diagnoses between them.
David has been diagnosed with cancer five times, including rare male breast cancer.
Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 during a routine mammogram.
David discovered his latest cancer through self-examination and had a lumpectomy.
Both are now volunteers for the American Cancer Society, advocating for early detection.
- Who
- David and Pat Penny, a married couple from North Carolina
- What
- Survived six cancer diagnoses between them and now advocate for early cancer detection
- When
- David's latest diagnosis was in spring 2025; Pat's diagnosis was in 2009
- Where
- Johnston County, North Carolina
- Why
- To raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection and regular checkups
- Names
- David and Pat Penny
- Location
- Johnston County, North Carolina
- Marriage Duration
- 51+ years
- David's Cancer Types
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, sarcoma, male breast cancer (5 times total)
- Pat's Cancer Type
- Breast cancer
- David's Latest Diagnosis
- Spring 2025
- Pat's Diagnosis Year
- 2009
- Pat's Age at Diagnosis
- 56