You may know that Mathew Knowles built his career shaping two musical superstars — his daughters, Beyoncé and Solange. But before becoming a powerhouse industry exec, Knowles had an entirely different career — in the medical field. In fact, for nearly two decades, he worked in diagnostic imaging, selling radiology equipment like MRIs and mammography machines.
That experience proved invaluable in 2019, when at age 67, Knowles noticed something unusual at bedtime — small, red stains on his white T-shirt. The first night, he dismissed them. The second night, he noticed them again. When his wife mentioned seeing similar stains on the bedsheets, a long-buried memory surfaced: training he had received decades earlier, while selling mammography equipment.
“I knew something wasn’t right,” Knowles recalls. “But so many men don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late.”
A mammogram and biopsy confirmed Knowles’s worst fear: He had male breast cancer. With this diagnosis, Knowles recognized the importance of genetic testing. Although BRCA gene variants are most commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancer in women, all men with a history of breast cancer should undergo testing for these and other high-risk genes. A follow-up test identified a BRCA2 variant, which elevated his risk for breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.
That revelation changed everything — not just for Knowles, but for his family — and ignited his mission to help make genetic testing a routine part of medical care.
Why genetic testing matters
To Knowles, genetic testing isn’t just a wise precaution, it’s a necessity. “If you find cancer in stage one, there’s a 99 percent survival rate,” he shares. “That’s why genetic testing is so important. It gives you the power to take action before disease strikes.”
Yet many people still don’t get these tests, even when their family history puts them at a disadvantage. “I know this personally — prostate cancer runs in my family, and breast cancer is on my mother’s side. These patterns show why genetic testing is so vital. It gives us a roadmap to better health.”
Knowles’ message is simple: Ignorance isn’t bliss — it’s a gamble. “You wouldn’t wait until your car breaks down to put oil in it. Why wait to take care of your health? Genetic testing provides valuable insights that allow you to monitor your health proactively,” says Knowles. “If you know you have a higher risk for certain cancers, you can prioritize screenings and early detection. It’s also crucial for family planning: Knowing your genetic risks can help you make informed decisions about having children.”
Breaking barriers to genetic testing
Determined to make testing more accessible, Knowles partnered as a global ambassador with 23andMe, a leading at-home genetic-testing company. For him, the collaboration is deeply personal.
“I’m working with 23andMe not just to spread awareness, but to save my own life, and that of my family members,” he says. “The company’s research in various cancer fields is something we don’t talk about enough.”
And genetic testing isn’t just about calculating risk, it’s about taking control beyond knowing your initial results. 23andMe’s Total Health* product integrates genetic insights with proactive health strategies, offering a personalized prevention plan to promote longevity.
“It’s not just about testing,” Knowles explains. “It’s about what comes next — monitoring, early screenings, and making informed choices about diet and fitness.”
For Knowles, this has meant a radical shift in his daily routine: He now eats primarily fruits and veggies, accompanied by lean proteins like chicken and fish. He’s also lost 25 to 30 pounds and aims to shed another 10.
Exercise is also now a key part of his life: Every other day, Knowles takes a two-mile walk, not just for physical fitness, but for mental clarity. “When I walk now, I notice the flowers, I watch the ocean. I see the beauty of a sunset…things that never used to be important to me,” he reflects. (On alternate days, he walks a mile on the treadmill and lifts weights, with goals of building his endurance and strength training.)
For Knowles, these changes aren’t just about living longer — they’re about living better.
Leaving behind a legacy of wellness
Lately, Knowles has been traveling the world, speaking about health and advocating for genetic testing to become a standard part of medical care. He believes that in the near future, these tests will be as standard as a cholesterol screening or blood pressure check.
But when asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, he waves off the question. “I don’t define my legacy. The work I do defines it,” he says. And as a nod to one his favorite books, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, he adds, “I hope I have 10,000 hours to spread the word about the importance of genetic testing.”
For Knowles, knowledge isn’t just power, it’s survival. And by sharing his story, he’s hoping to save lives — one test at a time.
