Mathew Knowles Advocates for Male Breast Cancer Awareness: ‘Early Detection Is The Key’
Mathew Knowles is leveraging his personal battle with breast cancer to raise awareness among men about the importance of early detection and genetic testing. Recently, he partnered with AstraZeneca for their BeBRCAware campaign, aimed at educating the public on gene testing, family health history, and BRCA mutations.
Every individual possesses BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which play a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA. However, mutations in these genes can lead to certain cancers, particularly breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. As a survivor of male breast cancer who carries the BRCA2 gene mutation, Knowles is dedicated to ensuring others understand the resources available to them.
In a recent interview with Blavity, Knowles shared his journey, recalling how he discovered his breast cancer nearly five years ago. After noticing blood spots on his shirt, he took the proactive step of requesting a mammogram, despite his doctor’s initial surprise at a male patient asking for one. The subsequent diagnosis confirmed his fears: he had breast cancer.
Following his diagnosis, Knowles underwent a mastectomy for the affected breast. During surgery, genetic testing revealed he had the BRCA2 mutation, indicating an increased risk of developing cancer. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to get it, but in my case, it did. It means you have a stronger possibility of maybe getting it,” he explained.
This pivotal moment motivated Knowles to transform his lifestyle to minimize the chances of cancer returning, as well as to address his heightened risk for prostate cancer. “I’m a research kind of guy. I like to read up on things and talk to my doctor. We developed a plan that involved adopting a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise,” he said.
A study conducted by the University of Washington revealed a long family history of cancer, adding urgency to his advocacy. “The University of Washington did a year-long study into my family history, tracing back to my great-grandmother. They discovered that several male relatives had died of prostate cancer and female relatives had suffered from breast cancer,” Knowles recounted.
With this wealth of information, Knowles is committed to educating others. He acknowledges the stigma surrounding male breast cancer, having initially referred to it as “male chest cancer” to draw attention to the issue. “Fortunately, that made people ask, ‘What is that?’ Now, I use the term male breast cancer. There’s a lot of shame associated with it, but discussing it can diminish that shame,” he shared.
Knowles emphasizes the importance of early detection, stating, “Early detection is always a better outcome. Cancer has stages, and the earlier you find out, the better.” He encourages Black men to overcome feelings of vulnerability and trust the medical system.
By partnering with AstraZeneca on the BeBRCAaware campaign, Knowles aims to raise awareness about BRCA mutations and the associated risks of various cancers for both men and women. His commitment to this cause is rooted in his belief that knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Through his advocacy, Mathew Knowles is not only shining a light on male breast cancer but also inspiring a broader conversation about health awareness and preventive measures within the community.
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