This October, Mathew Knowles is raising awareness for breast cancer by sharing his experience as a male breast cancer survivor and promoting health initiatives in collaboration with 23andMe.

The genetic testing and DNA company has made Knowles, who is the father of pop icons Beyoncé and Solange, its new global brand ambassador.

They aim to inform the public about the role of genetics in cancer risk, specifically focusing on BRCA gene mutations, which significantly increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

“Since 1980, I’ve been discussing the issues surrounding male and female breast cancer,” Knowles mentioned. “To effectively boost health literacy and preventive care, the essential step today is to undergo genetic testing to determine if you have an elevated risk for certain conditions.”

In 2019, Knowles revealed his breast cancer diagnosis after experiencing nipple discharge. He was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. He attributed his condition to genetics, indicating that both his children and grandchildren faced increased risks, which motivated them to get tested.

In 2020, Knowles, now cancer-free, wrote an op-ed for YSL News detailing his experience and diagnosis.

He emphasizes that getting screened is crucial for early detection, which can save lives.

“Having the BRCA2 variant, I face a heightened risk for male breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. For women with this variant, the risks for breast and ovarian cancer are significantly greater,” he explains. “If I’d received that information earlier, I might have altered my lifestyle, and I did make changes once I learned about my BRCA2 variant.”

With over two decades in healthcare technology selling devices like mammogram machines and MRI scanners, Knowles was able to identify warning signs early but insists that early screening is essential for saving lives.

“I wish I had undergone genetic testing back in my twenties to make choices that could have changed my health outcomes,” he reflects. “Despite being fortunate with my results, I would have pursued healthier lifestyle choices like weight loss, exercise, and better diet.”

After learning about his genetic makeup, he made significant lifestyle changes.

Ultimately, he believes: “It’s about acquiring information sooner rather than later and making informed decisions.”

Regarding his partnership with 23andMe, Knowles stated, “Raising awareness in Black and brown communities matters greatly to me. Genetic testing should be accessible to all, regardless of gender.”

Statistics show that approximately 1 in every 100 breast cancer patients in the U.S. is male, with around 2,300 men diagnosed annually, according to the CDC.

Five years post-diagnosis, Knowles is eager to collaborate with more organizations to create a health and wellness movement.