X-Men star Tyler Mane was diagnosed with male breast cancer after he and his wife noticed a hard lump on the left side of his chest while he was losing weight and trying to improve his health.
Mane, 59, initially dismissed the lump, believing it could not be cancer because he was a man. But after his wife urged him to seek medical attention, the mass was removed and later identified as invasive ductal carcinoma, according to an interview by Yahoo.
"I thought it couldn't possibly be breast cancer. Do guys even get breast cancer? Apparently, they do...You consider prostate cancer, or you worry that you might've drunk too much and hurt your liver, but you don't really think about your chest," Mane said.
The actor, known for playing Sabretooth in the original X-Men film and reprising the role in Deadpool & Wolverine, said the diagnosis prompted genetic testing that revealed he carries a BRCA2 mutation, which can increase the risk of several cancers.
Mane is now undergoing chemotherapy followed by radiation. His experience is also drawing attention to a disease that remains rare in men but can be diagnosed later because many people do not recognize that men can develop breast cancer.
Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too
Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancer cases. Because men have less breast tissue and are not routinely screened for breast cancer, changes may go unnoticed or be dismissed.
Mane said his own diagnosis was caught at Stage 1 after the lump was removed. However, he described his cancer as aggressive and said his treatment plan includes four rounds of chemotherapy and localized radiation.
The most common warning sign is a new lump or swelling in the breast or chest area. Other possible symptoms include nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inward, changes in the skin or unusual enlargement of breast tissue.
A lump does not automatically mean cancer, but any new or persistent change should be evaluated by a health care professional.
Why BRCA2 Matters
Mane's genetic testing revealed a BRCA2 mutation, a hereditary genetic change associated with an increased risk of breast, prostate, pancreatic and other cancers.
Inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can raise cancer risk in both men and women. Men with certain BRCA mutations may face a higher risk of male breast cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.
A genetic finding can also have implications for relatives because these mutations can be inherited. People with a personal or family history that suggests hereditary cancer risk may be referred for genetic counseling and testing.
Why Male Breast Cancer Is Often Found Late
Unlike women, men generally do not undergo routine mammography screening for breast cancer. That means diagnosis often depends on noticing a physical change and seeking care.
The rarity of the disease can also contribute to delays. A man who discovers a chest lump may assume it is a cyst, injury, or another benign condition rather than cancer.
Mane said his experience changed his perspective on discussing health. He has spoken openly about his diagnosis and is preparing to co-host a podcast with his wife that will address his cancer journey and broader issues surrounding health and midlife.
Men should not ignore changes in their bodies simply because a particular disease is considered uncommon in males.
For anyone who notices a new lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, or another unexplained abnormality in the chest, seeking medical evaluation can help determine the cause and, if cancer is present, potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
