Mathew Knowles—music executive, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and, of course, father of superstars Beyoncé and Solange—has always been in the spotlight. But in 2019, he found himself in a different kind of spotlight: that of a breast cancer survivor. Yes, you read that right—breast cancer doesn’t just affect women. Men can, and do, get breast cancer, and Mathew Knowles wants everyone to know about it.

It All Started with a Symptom
For Knowles, it all began with an unusual and alarming sign—bloody discharge from his nipples. Trusting his instincts, he sought medical attention, and after undergoing a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, his fears were confirmed. He was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer. This was early-stage cancer, which hadn’t yet spread to his lymph nodes, but still a serious diagnosis that needed immediate attention.

The Reality of Male Breast Cancer
Although male breast cancer is rare, it’s not impossible. In fact, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is in men. Yet, many men are unaware of this possibility. As Knowles points out, there’s often a sense of shame or stigma that can prevent men from getting checked or speaking out about it. “The more you talk about it, the more open you are, it loses its power,” Knowles explained. And that’s why he’s making it a mission to raise awareness.

Undergoing Treatment and Genetic Testing
Like many other male breast cancer patients, Knowles’ treatment required a mastectomy—removal of the breast tissue. Because men typically have smaller amounts of breast tissue, the procedure often involves removing the entire breast, as was the case with Knowles. He didn’t need radiation or chemotherapy, but genetic testing soon revealed he carried the BRCA2 gene mutation. This was a critical piece of information, not just for him, but for his entire family.

What is the BRCA2 Gene?
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are tumor suppressor genes, crucial in the body’s fight against cancer. However, if a person carries a mutation in either gene, their risk for certain cancers—like breast cancer—dramatically increases. For men like Knowles, carrying a BRCA2 mutation means their risk of developing breast cancer is 100 times higher than that of the average man.

Family Matters: Sharing Knowledge and Protecting Loved Ones
With a strong family history of breast and prostate cancer, Knowles knew his genetic information could be life-saving for his children and other relatives. He made it a priority to inform his family, ensuring they could take proactive steps in their health journeys. “That’s the beauty of genetic testing,” he said. “It allows you to share that information with the people you love.”

Spreading Awareness with Purpose
Today, Knowles is not only a cancer survivor but also an advocate for genetic testing and awareness. He’s teamed up with AstraZeneca’s BeBRCAware campaign to spread the word about the importance of knowing your family history, getting tested, and taking proactive steps to manage health risks.

A Changed Life
It’s been five years since Knowles’ diagnosis, and he remains cancer-free. But the experience changed him forever. He’s lost 30 pounds, switched to a healthier diet, and exercises regularly. Now, he’s hyper-vigilant about his health, undergoing annual screenings for breast and prostate cancer. His message to everyone? Don’t be afraid to get checked. Early detection saves lives.

The Takeaway
Mathew Knowles’ journey is a powerful reminder that cancer doesn’t discriminate—anyone can be affected, regardless of gender. His story encourages men to take charge of their health, get screened, and not shy away from talking about breast cancer. After all, as Knowles says, “Knowledge is power.” And for Knowles, that power has helped him protect both his health and his family.

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