Charlie Wilson, the famed R&B artist widely known as the lead vocalist for the
GAP Band in the 1980s
Charlie Wilson, the famed R&B artist widely known as the lead vocalist for the
GAP Band in the 1980s and his gold-certified album, Charlie Last Name Wilson,
announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. He also announced
that he is teaming with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to raise awareness
and research funds for prostate cancer. His second solo album on Jive Records,
Uncle Charlie, featuring the top-ten single There Goes My Baby, is scheduled for
release on February 17.
"When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September, I thought to myself
`I`m too young… this isn`t a cancer I should be getting,`" says Wilson. "While I
was surprised to discover that this disease strikes one out of every six
American men, I was astounded to learn that African American men are 1.6 times
more likely than others to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. My wife, Mahin,
and I are very fortunate. I was lucky to be diagnosed and begin treatment early.
My prognosis is excellent."
Wilson is buoyed by the fact that his cancer was detected early. Following his
diagnosis in September, he consulted with his doctor to select a treatment
option that was right for him. He started on a course of therapy on November 21.
Scientists do not yet understand why prostate cancer odds-both incidence and
death rates-are higher among African American men. Genetic differences,
lifestyle and nutrition habits, and access to healthcare may all play a role in
the statistics.
In dealing with his situation, Wilson understood two things: he had to decide on
a treatment that was right for him and he had to do something about getting the
word out about prostate cancer to African American and all men. "For years I`ve
spent my life performing," explains Wilson. "Now I need to spend time informing.
"Although men are 35 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women
are to be diagnosed with breast cancer, no one seems to talk about the disease,"
says Wilson. "We men don`t want to consider or vocalize our vulnerabilities. It
was my wife who kept after me to see my doctor for a screening. I thank God she
did. Now I feel compelled to spread the word about prostate cancer."
Wilson will be taking the message of early detection and treatment on the road
with him as he starts his media and concert tours for his new album this spring.
He plans to deliver his message overseas to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and
Kuwait when he performs for them in late February.
Wilson will also be helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation raise funds to
support prostate cancer research, specifically by supporting a PCF Creativity
Research Grant. These grants support creative research ideas with high potential
and no current funding. They encourage the development of high-risk/high-reward
concepts that, if successful, could provide the basis for dramatically reducing
death and suffering from prostate cancer. They are intended to bridge the gap
between an idea and the results necessary to justify increased funding. Those
wanting to make a donation to the Charlie Wilson-PCF Creativity Research Grant
can go to www.unclecharliewilson.com. There they will find more information on
Wilson`s support of PCF research and a direct link for making donations online
or by mail.
"I am excited to be working with the PCF. They are the driving force behind many
of the advances that have been made in prostate cancer treatment to date," says
Wilson. "Their work has helped reduce the death rate by nearly 40 percent in the
past few years. Together, I believe we can make an important impact."
About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world`s largest philanthropic source of
support for prostate cancer research focused on discovering better treatments
and a cure for recurrent prostate cancer. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised
more than $370 million and provided funding to more than 1,500 research projects
nearly 200 institutions worldwide. The PCF also advocates for greater awareness
of prostate cancer and more governmental research funds. PCF advocacy has helped
produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer since 1994.
More information about prostate cancer and the PCF can be found at
Charlie Wilson 
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