## Beyoncé’s Dad Opens Up About His Battle with Male Breast Cancer: A Crucial Message for Men
Who doesn’t know Beyoncé, the global superstar affectionately known as Queen Bey? But while she enjoys worldwide fame, few realize that her father, Matthew Knowles, who also managed her career, is a survivor of male breast cancer. This week, as the United States observes Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17-23), the 72-year-old has candidly shared his experience with the disease and the critical need for early detection.
In a recent interview with Healthline, Knowles stated, “There’s an amount of shame sometimes that men have with male breast cancer, but the more you talk about it, the more I find, the more you are open, it loses its power. For me, it does, so I talk about it.”
But how common is male breast cancer? What signs should men be aware of? And is the treatment different from that for women? Let’s explore the facts.
## Understanding Male Breast Cancer: More Than a Woman’s Disease
While breast cancer is often associated with women, it’s crucial to understand that men can develop this disease too, though it’s relatively uncommon. The American Cancer Society explains that any cell in the body can become cancerous and spread to other areas. This includes the breast tissue present in men.
There are two primary types of male breast cancer:
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Invasive ductal carcinoma:
Cancer cells originate in the milk ducts and spread to other breast tissues.*
Ductal carcinoma in situ:
Cancer cells remain confined to the lining of the milk ducts, not spreading to other tissues.The reason for the misconception that breast cancer only affects women lies in the disparity in incidence rates. Only about 1% of breast cancer cases in the US are diagnosed in men. In the UK, statistics show a stark difference: 319 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, compared to around 46,000 women, according to the Office for National Statistics.
However, medical professionals are witnessing an increasing number of men being diagnosed with breast cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that around 2,790 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year, with approximately 530 men succumbing to the disease.
While breast cancer is about 100 times less common among White men than White women and 70 times less common among Black men than Black women, it’s essential to recognize that the average lifetime risk for a man is about one in 726. However, individual risk factors can significantly influence this probability.
## Risk Factors: Identifying Potential Triggers
Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer, including:
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Age:
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. On average, men diagnosed with breast cancer are around 72 years old.*
Gene mutations:
Mutations in certain genes, particularly BRCA2, are associated with a significantly elevated risk of breast cancer in men. Men with a BRCA2 mutation have a lifetime risk of approximately 6%, while those with BRCA1 mutations face a lower but still concerning risk of about 1%.*
Klinefelter syndrome:
This rare genetic condition, characterized by an extra X chromosome in males, leads to higher estrogen levels and lower androgen levels, increasing breast cancer risk.*
Radiation exposure:
Excessive exposure to radiation, especially to the chest area, can contribute to breast cancer development.*
Obesity:
Obesity is linked to higher estrogen levels in the body, potentially increasing the risk of male breast cancer.## Recognizing the Symptoms: Early Detection Is Key
The symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. These include:
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A painless lump in the breast area:
This is often the most prominent symptom.*
Changes in the skin covering the breast:
This can manifest as dimpling, puckering, scaling, or discoloration.*
Redness of the skin in the chest area:
This can indicate inflammation associated with breast cancer.*
Nipple discharge:
Slight bleeding from the nipple, as experienced by Matthew Knowles, can also be a symptom.*
Sores or ulcers on the chest:
These can be a sign of underlying breast cancer.*
Changes in nipple appearance:
The nipple may turn inwards (inverted nipple) or develop a rash that resembles eczema.## Treatment: Similar Approaches for Men and Women
If a man is diagnosed with breast cancer, the treatment typically mirrors that for women, including:
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Surgery:
Mastectomy, the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple and sometimes underlying chest muscle and lymph nodes, is often employed.*
Chemotherapy:
This involves using medications to kill cancer cells.*
Radiation therapy:
This uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.*
Hormone therapy:
This involves blocking the effects of hormones that can fuel cancer growth.*
Targeted therapy:
This uses medications that specifically target cancer cells.Matthew Knowles underwent a mastectomy after his diagnosis, highlighting the common treatment approach for male breast cancer. As with any cancer, early detection is paramount in achieving successful outcomes.
## Emphasizing Early Detection: A Powerful Message
Dr. Maria Castaldi, Director of Breast Health Services at NYC Health and Hospitals, emphasizes that male breast cancer has historically been associated with a poorer prognosis than breast cancer in women due to delayed diagnosis. Dr. Wassim McHayleh, a medical oncologist and clinical program director for the Breast Cancer Program at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, stresses the importance of proactive screening, particularly for men with genetic mutations.
He recommends monthly self-breast examinations starting at age 35, an annual clinical breast examination, and mammography at age 50.
As Matthew Knowles powerfully conveys, the key to fighting breast cancer is to stay ahead of it. Men are urged to overcome fear and embrace regular screenings to ensure early detection and ultimately, a better chance of survival.
By sharing his personal journey, Knowles aims to break down the stigma surrounding male breast cancer and encourage men to prioritize their health. His message resonates with the importance of open communication, early detection, and seeking medical attention when necessary.