experience cardiac complications related to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation or as a result of the hormonal changes that follow procedures such as removal of the ovaries.
His relationship with the AHA is why he chose to reveal what he’s been through with American Heart Association News in advance of his public disclosure Wednesday on “Good Morning America.”
Knowles – who managed supergroup Destiny’s Child and co-wrote their hit song “Survivor” – is sharing his story to draw attention to the links between heart disease and cancer as well as other powerful messages:
- Men can have breast cancer.
- Genetic testing for mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene is often wise for men and women of all ethnicities with a family history of breast cancer.
- Early detection improves the chances of a successful outcome.
“I don’t want people to be worried – I want them to be proactive,” said Knowles, adding that he especially hopes his story resonates among African Americans, who face numerous disparities in health and proper care. “The sooner you address it, the better you have a chance of having a normal lifestyle and living a normal life.”
So far, so good for Knowles. He’s lost 15 pounds by exercising more, watching what he eats and drinking less alcohol. He’s taking medicine to control his blood pressure and