“I’m not defined by my body.”
Mathew Knowles has said that he discovered that he had breast cancer when he found recurring drops of blood on his shirt and bedsheets.
The businessman, and father of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, revealed his diagnosis today on Good Morning America.
Now a survivor, he said that he wants to raise awareness of the disease, and encourage both men and women to be aware of their breast health.
“I immediately went to my doctor, I got a mammogram, and then it was very clear that I had breast cancer,” he told Michael Strachan.
“Of all of the things I could get, why would I get this? From a man’s perspective, I’m thinking: ‘Why me?'”
Knowles said that he had one of his breasts removed earlier this year to ensure the cancer couldn’t spread. He added that he’s planning on having the second breast removed in time so the illness won’t return.
He said he recognises that having the breast removed wasn’t as difficult for him as it might have been for a woman.
“My wife kinda laughed and was like, ‘So what? I love you.'” he said.
“For a man, it’s easier. You know, if I open my shirt you can’t even tell. It’s an easier thing for a man.
“I’m not defined by my body (…) But I do sympathise now and have empathy for a female when they have to go through that decision-making process.”
Through the testing, Knowles discovered that he has a mutation of the BRCA2 gene, meaning that he is more susceptible to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
This means that his children and grandchildren have a 50 to 70 percent chance of getting the mutation too.
“That’s male or female,” he said. “We used to think this was only an issue for women, but this is male or female.”
According to the Marie Keating Foundation, there are 28 diagnosed cases of breast cancer in men in Ireland per year.
The disease is very rare in men, but not entirely uncommon, so the charity are encouraging both men and women to be more breast aware.
Senior oncology nurse Bernie Carter says that although men are less likely to go to their GP when they notice a change, getting a lump checked out is incredibly important.
“A lot of men are more embarrassed about going to the doctor,” she says, “but we need to get men thinking about looking out for themselves.
“Especially if there is a history of breast or prostate cancer in their family. They need to be more aware because this can increase the risk.
“We need to move past that embarrassment. Most lumps are normal, but early detection leads to a better outcome and a better prognosis.”
