In a poignant account of resilience and awareness, Jacob Johnson, a 53-year-old resident of Fort Collins, Colorado, shared his harrowing journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, an illness often overlooked in men. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, he recounted how his initial ignorance regarding male breast cancer dramatically shifted after his diagnosis.
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Jacob’s journey began in 2013, when he was informed that he was a carrier of the BRCA2 gene, a hereditary mutation linked to a higher risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. This diagnosis was particularly significant, as there was a strong family history of breast cancer, including cases among his mother, aunts, cousins, and uncle. Despite this family history, Jacob believed he was taking all necessary precautions, diligently attending annual mammograms for over a decade.
However, the reality took a shocking turn on his 53rd birthday in December 2025. During what he thought might be a routine mammogram, doctors detected an invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Jacob recalled feeling a sense of disbelief, asserting, “Breast cancer was the furthest thing from my mind.” Even after the discovery of a lump and the recommendation for a biopsy, he remained hopeful that the outcome would be benign.
The BRCA2 gene mutation impacts the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, thereby heightening the risk of several forms of cancer. Following his diagnosis, Jacob underwent a double mastectomy in January 2026 and commenced his first round of chemotherapy. “The treatments are going well, but it has still been so difficult to comprehend the extensive level of treatments that I needed,” he explained, acknowledging the challenges posed by chemotherapy medications like Cytoxan and doxorubicin — the latter of which is often referred to as the “red devil” due to its harsh side effects.
Jacob’s physical transformation during treatment has been a source of immense emotional strain. His wife, Kimberly, voiced the difficulties they have faced as a family, highlighting the stark contrast between Jacob’s active lifestyle pre-diagnosis and his current physical limitations. “Not being able to pick up our kids or have the energy to play has been very difficult for him,” she said.
The prevalence of male breast cancer is notably low, accounting for less than 1% of breast cancer cases in the United States, in stark comparison to women, where the statistic stands at 1 in 8. Jacob emphasised the misconception surrounding male breast cancer, suggesting that many men remain unaware of the risks. He urged men to be vigilant about their health and to seek preventative care, particularly if there is a history of the disease in their families. “Taking control of your health is the difference between something that is curable and something that would be terminal,” Jacob stressed.
In a bid to raise awareness about male breast cancer and the essential nature of early detection, Kimberly has taken to social media, sharing her husband’s story on TikTok. “Most people never knew that men could get breast cancer, and I am hoping to change that perception,” she stated, underlining the reality that, while rare, male breast cancer can affect anyone, often leaving individuals unaware of their risk until it is too late.
The Johnson family is also taking proactive measures regarding their own health. Kimberly has scheduled her first mammogram now that she has reached 40, while they plan to have their two youngest children tested for breast cancer when they turn 18. Thankfully, their eldest daughter, who is already 23, tested negative for the gene.
Jacob, reflecting on his experience, highlights the importance of understanding family medical history and advocating for oneself in the medical sphere. He praised his mother’s relentless pursuit of knowledge regarding their family’s health history, stating, “Her determination inspired me to get the testing completed, and it has literally saved my life.” He pointed out the critical nature of timely action, revealing that had they waited for the lump to become palpable, it may have advanced to an incurable stage.
Through their journey, Jacob and Kimberly Johnson have transformed their struggles into a powerful message advocating for awareness and the necessity of health screenings, reminding others to remain vigilant about their health, regardless of gender. As Jacob continues his battle against cancer, both he and Kimberly hope to inspire others to confront their health concerns and pursue early testing and treatments.