#404 Male Breast Cancer with X-Men Actor and Former Pro Wrestler Tyler Mane

What happens when someone known for strength, stature, and intimidating roles faces a diagnosis most people do not associate with men?

Tyler Mane is known for playing Sabretooth in X-Men and Deadpool & Wolverine, Michael Myers in Halloween, and Ajax in Troy. Before his acting career, Tyler spent more than a decade wrestling professionally around the world, including appearances with WCW and UWF as Big Sky and Nitron. Recently, Tyler has taken on a very different role: raising awareness about male breast cancer.

Tyler joins host Kira Dineen to share his experience of discovering a breast lump, initially believing it was a lipoma, having his concerns dismissed, and ultimately receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. He opens up about his first instinct to keep the diagnosis private, the embarrassment he initially felt, and what motivated him to speak publicly.

Episode Discussion Topics

The breast lump that led Tyler to seek medical care

Why Tyler and his wife, Renae, initially believed the lump was a lipoma

Having his concerns dismissed and continuing to pursue answers

Tyler’s first reaction to his breast cancer diagnosis

The embarrassment and stigma surrounding male breast cancer

Why he ultimately decided to share his story publicly

Symptoms and physical changes men should pay attention to

How masculinity and “toughing it out” can delay medical care