Houston, TX [March 16, 2021] The Rose is thrilled to announce that Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father and music mogul who is a self-described “male chest cancer” survivor, will be a special guest speaker at the “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” virtual luncheon and celebration on Wednesday, March 24th. While The Rose does not refer to breast cancer in men as male chest cancer, the organization recognizes Knowles’ intention to incorporate language that could engage male audiences and ultimately save more lives. Founded in 1986, The Rose provides diagnostic breast health care and biopsies to women and men, regardless of their ability to pay.
Knowles carries the BCRA2 gene mutation, which puts him at higher risk of cancer. He is a passionate advocate for early detection, and hopes to educate and save lives, particularly among men, who often consider themselves exempt from the disease because they don’t see themselves as having breasts. Prior to Knowles’s 27-year career in the music industry (managing Destiny’s Child and launching Beyoncé’s solo career), he sold breast cancer imaging equipment, and credits his prior knowledge with helping ensure his cancer was caught early. His experience and story of surviving the genetically-linked disease is especially relevant because The Rose knows through countless patient stories that whether or not breast cancer runs in a family through a genetic mutation, fighting it requires the support of the whole family.
“Like Mr. Knowles, The Rose is a tireless advocate for early detection and access to care,” says co-founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons. “We are so grateful to Mr. Knowles for being a voice for men’s health care and for trying to erase the stigma surrounding mammograms and biopsies for men. They die 50 percent of the time from this disease, it’s more aggressive in men. We are honored that he is so willing to share his story, one that embraces the importance of family support and of the prevalence of male breast cancer.
Since its inception in 1986, The Rose has prioritized early detection and education, access to care for all patients regardless of their ability to pay, and the importance of a support structure for patients and their families. This year’s Everything’s Coming Up Roses luncheon will honor two trailblazers for the cause, Jeannie Chandler and Jeannie Frazier, and will include world-renowned speaker Jennifer Litton, M.D., Vice President of Clinical Research/Professor, Breast Medical Oncology/MD Anderson Cancer Center. For more information about the event and registration, visit: therose.org/luncheon.
To schedule a media interview with any member of The Rose, please contact Ivis Batista at 978-885-7306 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.
