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Music executive Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé and Solange, recently reflected on his 2019 breast cancer diagnosis and how his background helped him recognize the signs early.
Speaking on the Outlaws with T.S. Madison podcast, he explained that his years selling mammography equipment at Xerox gave him vital knowledge. When he noticed discharge from his chest, he immediately contacted his doctor and became the first man to request a mammogram from him.
Tests revealed Stage 1A breast cancer linked to a BRCA2 gene mutation, and Knowles underwent a mastectomy that saved his life.
Knowles emphasized the importance of early detection, crediting his awareness for catching the disease before it advanced. He described Destiny’s Child’s anthem “Survivor” as his personal soundtrack during treatment, underscoring his determination to fight.
He also highlighted how male breast cancer remains under-discussed, with about 2,700 men diagnosed annually in the U.S. According to Knowles, societal stigma often discourages men from speaking out, but he hopes his openness will encourage others to seek help and potentially save lives.
His story resonates even more given that his ex-wife, Tina Knowles, also faced breast cancer. In her memoir Matriarch, she revealed she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after missing a mammogram, though she is now cancer-free.
Together, their experiences highlight the critical role of awareness, regular screenings, and self-advocacy in battling the disease.
For Mathew Knowles, what began as a frightening diagnosis has become a mission to educate and empower others about male breast cancer.
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