Charlie Wilson (Image: File)
By Cristie Leondis
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and focuses on a disease that is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in African American men. Although scientists haven’t yet discovered the reason for this, African American men are unfortunately at a much higher risk of developing this cancer and are 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease than non-African American men.
Many have lent their voices, resources, money and support toward building more awareness, and survivors around the world help others to prevent or manage the disease. Check out five celebrities who have all changed in tremendous ways and have made it part of their life mission to raise prostate cancer awareness to guide others.
Charlie Wilson, also known as ‘Uncle Charlie,’ is an American singer, songwriter, and producer who survived prostate cancer after his initial diagnosis in 2008. Wilson knew he had to inform others. He worked jointly with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, which encourages black men to be screened often after the age of 40. Wilson also teamed up with Janssen Biotech Inc. which kicked off in April 2012. Wilson spoke to the community about the seriousness of this issue and how important it is to make healthy, choices throughout your life. M.A.P. (Making Awareness a Priority) events, where men can come together and talk, are open to the public. Since Wilson’s diagnosis, his career has skyrocketed. He had two No. 1 albums and four Grammy nominations, and he’s performed live throughout the country. He also provided vocals for “Mission,” by Lupe Fiasco, a song about cancer survivors.
Harry Belafonte’s success as a singer, actor, and songwriter meant everything to him until he received the life-altering news. Fortunately, Belafonte is now a survivor and works to inform other men about the issue. In 1996, at the age of 69, he was faced with the news that he had the disease. After his surgery, he became an even bigger activist for the cause and is passionate about speaking on the subject. He has helped raise more than $2 million in support of finding a cure.
Sidney Poitier, Caribbean-American director and talented actor, is also a prostate cancer survivor. When Robert De Niro developed the disease in 2003, Poitier wished him luck and gave him advice on how to stay positive. Poitier remains dedicated to human rights and staying healthy.
The late Nelson Mandela, world renowned politician, philanthropist, and former president of South Africa, also battled and survived the disease. In 1985, at age 83, he was told of the diagnosis. He underwent a seven-week radiotherapy course to treat the microscopic cancer and lived an active life as an exemplary leader until age of 95.
Colin Powell received the diagnosis at age 66, but he had already done his homework and was prepared to deal with it. Powell, according to reports, said he wasn’t surprised with the diagnosis he received at 66. For years before, he had been tracking his PSA levels, which are often elevated in men who have prostate cancer, and his levels were high. He opted to have his prostate gland removed rather than to receive radiation treatment. Today, Powell speaks throughout the country and inspires men to get checked regularly.
