Tyler Mane says he has breast cancer and urges men to watch for signs
The retired wrestler and “X-Men” actor said in an Instagram video that doctors initially dismissed the possibility before a lump was removed.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
2 min read
Tyler Mane, the retired wrestler and actor known for roles in the “X-Men” franchise, said he has been diagnosed with breast cancer. His disclosure drew attention to a disease that health officials say is uncommon in men and often discussed less publicly than breast cancer in women.
Mane announced the diagnosis in a video posted to Instagram this week, according to NBC News. He said he initially felt embarrassed and considered keeping the diagnosis private.
“One in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I’m one of them,” Mane said in the video, according to NBC News. “Because it’s rarely talked about, it’s usually found at later stages and has worse outcomes. I want to change that.”
Mane said his case was among the “super rare” male breast cancer diagnoses, NBC News reported. He also said doctors had not expected breast cancer to be the cause until his wife pressed him to have a lump removed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 1 in 100 breast cancer diagnoses occur in men. The CDC identifies invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ as the two forms most often found in men.
According to the CDC, ductal carcinoma in situ means cancer cells are present in the ducts of the chest but have not moved into other tissue. Invasive ductal carcinoma starts in the ducts and spreads into nearby breast tissue.
Risk factors and warning signs
The CDC lists several risk factors for breast cancer in men, including a family history of the disease, genetic mutations, prior radiation treatment to the chest and hormone therapy, which may be used in prostate cancer treatment.
The American Breast Cancer Foundation has urged men to pay attention to changes in the chest area. The group cites possible symptoms including nipple pain, lumps, and swelling in the breast or underarm.
“Breast cancer in men may be less common, but it’s just as important to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected,” the foundation said, according to NBC News. “Early detection can improve outcomes, and recognizing the signs — such as lumps, nipple changes, or skin irritation — can make a life-saving difference.”
Mane’s announcement adds a public example to a condition many men may not consider when they notice changes in their chest. His message, as described by NBC News, was aimed at encouraging men to take symptoms seriously and seek medical evaluation.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.