Mathew Knowles, music executive and father of Beyonc, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Knowles, 67, told Good Morning America Wednesday that he had a mastectomy to remove the cancer and is planning a preventive one in the other breast because testing found he has a genetic mutation for the disease. The mutation, BRCA2, means his children including Beyonce and Solange have a 50 percent chance of carrying the gene too.

The BRCA2 gene sharply increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women. In men, it increases the risk of prostate, skin and pancreatic cancer in addition to breast cancer.

Knowles said he wanted to share his story to draw attention to the fact men can get breast cancer too. About 2,500 men are diagnosed with the disease annually, about 1 percent of all breast cancers.

Treatment for male breast cancer is similar to treatment for female breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy. Most male patients undergo a full mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy, the removal of just the tumor and small amount of surrounding tissue. Survival for male breast cancer is slightly lower than female breast cancer, mostly because it tends not to be diagnosed until men are older and the disease is more advanced.

Knowles medical journey began when he began noticing red dots on his undershirt and bed sheets. He squeezed his right nipple and blood came out.

The next day, Knowles saw his doctor, who sent a sample for further testing and then ordered up a mammogram. The mammogram found a Stage 1 tumor, among the earliest and easiest to treat. Follow-up testing revealed Knowles has BRCA2, prompting his plans to have a second mastectomy in January.

Besides bleeding, other signs of possible male breast cancer are a lump under the nipple or arm. Medical experts advise men who notice such symptoms to see a doctor for further evaluation.

Knowles is best known for managing Destinys Child. He also managed the careers of Beyonc and Solange.

Read more:
Beyoncs father diagnosed with breast cancer - Houston Chronicle

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