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With the release of his second solo album, 'Uncle Charlie,' less than two weeks away, famed R&B artist Charlie Wilson has announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
The 'Yearning For Your Love' singer was diagnosed with the male-reproductive disease last fall and began therapy on Nov. 21. Wilson's sudden diagnosis has lead him to team up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness and research funds for prostate cancer.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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"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,'" Wilson said in a statement. "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."
And 'Outstanding' he is!
The former Gap Band front man has already started utilizing his celebrity status to help inform more African American men of the illness. Men are 35 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than women are to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
"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."
The Grammy-nominated artist also noted that his wife's support has played a major in his recent campaign. "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," he revealed. "I thank God she did. Now I feel compelled to spread the word about prostate cancer."
This spring, Wilson will be taking his message on the road with him and overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait while touring in support of his forthcoming album.
Charlie Wilson's 'Uncle Charlie,' featuring the top 10 single 'There Goes My Baby,' hits stores and digital retailers on Feb. 17.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (104)
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By: Steve on 2/08/2009 9:58AM
" BURN RUBBER ON ME CHARLIE "
That's NUMBER 1
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By: Hanna on 2/08/2009 10:17AM
I too am so tired of blacks always playing the race card no matter what the issue. Maybe I should try to play the American Indian card. Well, since it isnt well known, it probably wouldnt work. But wait, if American Indians, the few remaining, would make it important enough to play the card whenever they need a cop out, perhaps it may work. You see how ridiculous the race card thing is? The race card belittles intelligent African Americans.
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By: donald on 2/08/2009 10:35AM
get well uncle charlie you have one of the best voices of all time god bless
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By: lil tomboi on 2/08/2009 10:37AM
Thats why men have to get their prostate checked, "on the regular", and not when your'e having problems down there!
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By: John on 2/08/2009 10:41AM
This sad reality check needs to wake up men. Your prostate will be healthier if you have constant exposure to UV light from the sun or a tanning machine. (Don't get sunburned which I believe can lead to skin cancer.) Exposure to UV will increase your Vitamin D which is now recongized as an all around cancer fighter. Black men & women need 5-10 times more exposure than Caucasians. Other ailments of Vitamin D deficiency are diabetes, MS, auto immune diseases, asthma, allergies, autism and breast and colon cancer. This list can go on and on. The human body requires much more Vitamin D than the "experts" ever thought. Vitamin D is actually a hormone and can benefit you in ways we are not aware of currently. Oral supplements or food are simply not as good as UV, but they can help too. Research Vitamin D for yourself if you are not happpy with your health.
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By: Sheila on 2/08/2009 10:48AM
Hey Charlie, I met you in 1980 at a skating rink in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was attending Oral Roberts University. You and one of your brothers said that you were the Gap Band. I didn't believe you until I saw your Gap IV or V album! I thought the Gap Band was from some place like Philly. I soon found out that Gap stood for Greenwood, Archer, and Pine on the other side of town. I am still a praying woman, and I will be praying for you! Thank you for being a spokes person and encouraging Black men to get tested. I practicallly had to threaten my husband to get his tested.
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By: Darlene on 2/08/2009 10:54AM
I am only 44 and last January, I was diagnosed with Stage 2b Cervical Cancer and after undergoing 27 rounds of radiation therapy, I was told that my cancer is 100% gone (as of 4/14/08).
They told me that because it was caught early enough, there was a great chance that they could get rid of it. Since Mr. Wilson's prostate cancer was only diagnosed in October, perhaps he, too, will be as fortunate as I am to now be cancer-free. My prayers are with him and his family!
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By: Angela on 2/08/2009 11:04AM
My brother was 36 when he was diagnosed. He did really well and I'm sure Charlie will too.
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By: grumpy19 on 2/08/2009 11:11AM
Although I don't listen to R&B and never heard of this entertainer. I have a lot of respect for him and what he is doing. I RESPECT THE FACT THAT HE IS TRYING TO GET THE MESSAGE OUT TO THOSE MORE SUCEPTIBLE TO THAT TYPE OF CANCER. i ALSO RESPECT HIM FOR GOING TO ENTERTAIN THE TROOPS WHILE OTHER ENTERTAINERS ARE PUTTING THE TROOPS DOWN. i WISH HIM ALL THE BEST IN FIGHTING THE CANCER.
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By: Wayne on 2/08/2009 11:11AM
The PSA isn't an exact measurement. Becareful oof the low reading. I had a PSA of only 2.9 and had cancer in both sides of the Prostate. God help all of us men.
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