When the words “breast cancer survivor” are spoken, many people immediately think of women who beat one of the most common cancers in women. Although it is rare, men can also be diagnosed with the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), “the average lifetime risk of a man getting breast cancer is about 1 in 726.” Risk factors such as age; family history of breast cancer; inherited gene mutations; obesity; and other factors related to their body’s sex hormone levels can impact men’s chances of getting the disease, per information provided by ACS.
The American Cancer’s 2024 estimate revealed that “about 2,790 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men.
Dr. Zachary “Zak” Williams Sr., a 52-year-old male gospel recording artist and radio personality based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in the left breast in March of this year.
“One day, I was getting ready for work, and I noticed a lump. I thought it was a bruise from a small accident from moving something around in my house a few days prior, but it continued to bother me,” Williams explained.
A few days later, after discovering the lump and feeling discomfort, Williams went to a scheduled appointment with his primary care doctor, who then referred him to a mammography center for further examination and testing.
Williams added, “I had two mammograms and an ultrasound. Then, I had to go back for a biopsy.”
Upon finding out that he had breast cancer, Williams said that he was speechless. He kept asking the doctor if the diagnosis was certain because he had never heard of a man being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Dr. Elena Lamb assured me it was accurate and showed me the results of everything. To say I was mortified would be an understatement,” Williams stated.
Dr. Lamb, who is a surgeon, wanted to aggressively and swiftly treat William’s breast cancer. Williams was immediately scheduled for mastectomy surgery at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia. Williams had two preoperative visits before the surgery with Dr. Lamb to prepare for surgery on April 5, 2024.
“When I woke up from surgery, Dr. Lamb informed me that it was successful. They got it all out and I was cancer free!”
Williams also said that after surgery, he was treated with rounds of chemotherapy because the cancer had spread to some of his lymph nodes.
Williams, a two-time Stellar Award-Winning Producer and founder of 1/AKORD, a gospel choir that was reorganized in 2004, began his musical career as a five-year-old boy who began playing the piano and drums. His musical career has led him to play piano and organ for and with some of gospel music’s greatest singers and musicians, including Pastor Shirley Caesar; Tramaine Hawkins; Bishop Hezekiah Walker; Dr. Bobby Jones; and others.
During his medical ordeal, Williams’ choir still toured with John Legend.
“We had a few spot dates with John Legend on his “Evening with John Legend Songs and Stories Tour,” and we were in Las Vegas for Stellar Award Weekend,” Williams recalled.
Williams shared that he has been informed that “everything is good” with his health and that he is cancer-free. Williams will soon celebrate the completion of his last chemotherapy treatment.
“I’ll finally be finished Wednesday, October 16, and I can’t wait because I’ll ring the bell that day!” Cancer patients traditionally ring a victory bell to celebrate the conclusion of their cancer treatment.
Williams decided to publicly share his unusual story to attempt to raise awareness about the possibility of men being diagnosed with breast cancer because the issue is rarely discussed. Williams shared that he talks about male breast cancer everywhere he goes, and posts about it on all of his social media pages.
“I wanted to share my story so other men would know, yes, it could happen to us, too,” said Williams.
The breast cancer survivor also wants more men to pay attention to their bodies.
“Most men don’t like to go to the doctor. I was one of them. I’m glad I went when I did. If I had waited, my results would’ve been much, much different. And no, don’t be embarrassed! I know. I get it. I understand. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” he added.
Williams further stated that his aunt is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with it before he was. He noted that it is extremely awkward being a male breast cancer survivor.
“But I’m extremely blessed because I’m still here!” he exclaimed.
Visit www.zw1a.com to learn more about Williams’ music, career, and 1/AKORD.