Tyler Mane, X-Men Star and Former Pro Wrestler, Reveals Rare Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Tyler Mane, the actor who played Sabretooth in the 2000 film “X-Men,” has revealed that he has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a condition he described as “super rare” in men. The 59-year-old actor, who also reprised the role in 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” said he initially wanted to keep the diagnosis private but decided to speak publicly after learning more about how breast cancer affects men and how often it is overlooked.

In an Instagram video posted Tuesday, Mane said he was beginning chemotherapy that day and noted that one in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. In the caption, he said that only about 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men, helping explain why the disease remains surrounded by stigma and why awareness is still limited. He said that men are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages because the condition is not widely discussed or routinely screened for in men.

Mane said his doctors initially dismissed the lump, and he credited his wife with pushing him to have it removed, which led to the earlier diagnosis. He said his first reaction was to keep the news secret because it felt embarrassing, but he chose to speak out after realizing the importance of raising awareness. His message emphasized that breast cancer in men can be missed, delayed, or misdiagnosed because many people do not expect men to develop the disease.

The actor also shared a short hospital clip showing himself connected to an IV, where he raised his middle finger and mouthed an expletive aimed at cancer. In a follow-up update after a second day of chemotherapy, Mane appeared emotional as he thanked supporters for their messages and encouragement. He urged followers to share his story so that more people understand the risks and symptoms. “I’m gonna kick cancer’s ass,” he wrote, adding that catching the disease early can make a major difference in treatment outcomes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 100 breast cancer cases diagnosed in the United States is in men. The World Health Organization estimates that between 0.5% and 1% of breast cancers worldwide occur in men. Health experts say the rarity of the disease can make it easier to overlook, which may contribute to later diagnoses and more difficult treatment.

The CDC says risk factors for breast cancer in men can include older age, a family history of breast cancer and being overweight. Mane’s decision to go public highlights the need for broader awareness that men can develop breast cancer and should not ignore unusual lumps or changes in the chest area.

Before becoming known for his acting roles, Mane was a professional wrestler. In addition to “X-Men,” he portrayed Michael Myers in the 2007 horror film “Halloween” and its 2009 sequel “Halloween II.”