R&B Artist Charlie Wilson Announces Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

With Early Detection and a Promising Prognosis, Famed Vocalist
Teams with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to Raise Awareness and Funds
for Research

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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 www.pcf.org.

The Urban Music Scene staff sends out a wealth of prayers & support for Mr. Wilson & his family! We look forward to his return soon!