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Former Gap Band Singer Recovering from Cancer
By OSCAR WELLS GABRIEL II
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- He's best known as the lead vocalist for the Gap Band. Now Charlie Wilson is raising his voice to narrow the knowledge gap about prostate cancer.
Wilson, who was diagnosed last fall and treated with radiation implants, says he's in remission.
The singer wants to serve up a dose of knowledge along with the funk when he tours to support his new solo album, "Uncle Charlie," due out Feb. 17.
He's urging men, especially African-Americans, to get tested. Black men are at increased risk of prostate cancer overall.
It was during a routine physical last September that a blood test turned up signs of prostate cancer. A biopsy and follow-up examination confirmed the diagnosis.
When Wilson heard his doctor utter the word cancer, "I just felt devastated," he said.
But Wilson also noticed that his doctor "had this little smile on his face" as he delivered the news. The reason, he said, was because his doctor told him: "We caught it early enough and we can knock it out."
Wilson is also spreading the message of early detection when he performs for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Kuwait this month, and is working with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to increase awareness.
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On the Net:
http://www.charliewilsonmusic.com
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