Биография Charlie Wilson

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

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