Mathew Knowles, father of singers Beyoncé and Solange, revealed on “Good Morning America” Wednesday that he has breast cancer. The 67-year-old music executive told host Michael Strahan he was diagnosed about two months ago after he and his wife noticed blood on his shirts and sheets.
Although he admitted thinking, ‘Why me?’ about his situation, Mathew Knowles said he is doing well after undergoing surgery at the end of July. He added that due to a gene mutation, he is at risk of developing cancers of the pancreas and prostate, as well as melanoma.
Mathew Knowles shared his story to raise awareness about the condition and urge men to get tested. Breast cancer strikes 1 in 8 women in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Society, which expects 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer to be diagnosed in men in 2019.
“Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for only about 1% of all breast cancers,” according to MedicineNet author Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD. She adds that prior radiation exposure, a family history of breast cancer, elevated blood levels of estrogen, and mutations in genes including BRCA2 all increase breast cancer risk in men.
Treatment for breast cancer in men includes surgery to remove the tumor and any affected tissue and lymph nodes, Dr. Stöppler says. Adjuvant therapies are often prescribed afterwards, which may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection and treatment improves the chances of a good outcome.
“It is not possible to completely prevent male breast cancer,” Dr. Stöppler says. “However, there are many healthy lifestyle choices that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, including maintaining a normal healthy weight and getting regular exercise.”
Beyonce’s Dad Reveals His Breast Cancer Diagnosis
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A lump in the breast is almost always cancer.
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Beyonce’s Dad Reveals His Breast Cancer Diagnosis
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