It wasn’t until I called to let him know about my diagnosis that he told me. Unfortunately, he did not tell us that he had prostate cancer. Some men asked, “Why are you telling your personal business?” I replied, “It’s my responsibility to make my community aware of this disease and to try to overcome the fear about discussing it.”ĭuring my own prostate cancer battle, I learned that my father was also conducting his own battle. I began to talk about my prostrate cancer diagnosis in my concerts and interviews. It was at that time that I decided it was time for me to start informing as well as performing.
We discussed options with my health care team and by working with them closely, I am now cancer free.ĭuring our research I learned that African-American men are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with this disease than other races or ethnicities. The doctor gave us some informational materials and our research began. My initial thought was that my life and career were over. Thank God for my wife and her patience and understanding. The good news was that it had been detected early and could be effectively treated. My wife calmly asked me to sit down and have the doctor give us the good news. Wilson, you have prostate cancer.” My initial reaction was to get up and leave the room. Our visit with the specialist started with, “I have some good news and some bad news.” My wife asked for the bad news and the doctor said “Mr. I immediately got nervous and was concerned about what this could possibly mean. Based on follow-up tests, my doctor suggested that I see a specialist for a biopsy. He explained that African-American men were more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than any other race, and he wanted to keep an eye on things. He encouraged me to make an appointment for the following month for additional monitoring. I definitely did not want to have that – for various reasons – but Mahin was very convincing.Īfter a few days, I heard back from the doctor. In addition to the physical, Mahin suggested I have a prostate exam. I have never liked going to the doctor or getting any type of exam. My wife, Mahin, made an appointment for me to have my annual physical. I put together a good show had a catalog of great new songs to record and perform.Įverything was just going great until I went to the doctor for a general physical in the summer of 2008.
I worked hard at overcoming other life challenges and had the will to return to the top of my game in the music business. I remember hearing I had prostate cancer like it was yesterday. I walk that journey step-by-step and prayer-by-prayer. I have faced numerous challenges in my life and my journey hasn’t been an easy one.
Wilson… you have prostate cancer.” Those words made up the most devastating phrase I had ever heard. This week American R&B singer-songwriter-producer Charlie Wilson explains why he’s talking a lot about prostate cancer Confronting a life obstacle – injury, illness or other hardship – they tapped their inner strength and found resilience they didn’t know they possessed. In the Human Factor, we profile survivors who have overcome the odds. Tweets by ImCharlieWilson Charlie Wilson News Charlie Wilson’s fight against prostate cancer A post shared by Charlie Wilson on at 5:07pm PST