Famous Survivors Give Hope and a Voice to Prostate Cancer

In 2009 the National Cancer Institute reported 192,280 new cases and deaths of prostate cancer. But a diagnosis of prostate cancer is not a death sentence – it’s a disease that can be beat. Celebrated composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of many male celebrities to publicly fight prostate cancer. While some famous men choose to be more private in their battle, others use their platform to educate the public about the disease.

The following celebrities, including famous politicians, actors and businessmen, have all had very public battles with prostate cancer and survived. Their stories remind men of the importance of regular exams, top-notch medical care, and a fighting spirit.

Harry Belafonte

Actor and activist, Harry Belafonte was diagnosed in 1996 and has since become not only a survivor, but a passionate activist for prostate cancer awareness. In an interview with OncoLink Belafonte urges men to “closely examine your life, life style, and what problems you are experiencing. Get educated. Become more conscious of the world around you. Get the facts and shed the myths. One myth could only lead to another. If you have any pains or symptoms at all, find a center and get attention.”

John Kerry

John Kerry was diagnosed in 2002 and made a full recovery after prostate cancer surgery. He told the New York Times in 2004, "I made a judgment that it is better to get this thing out of me, to be free, to get the cancer out."

Andrew Lloyd Webber

The Legendary composer of musicals including Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar was diagnosed in late 2009. In a personal health journal published earlier this month by the London Mail, Webber offers this advice to men: “I say to every red-blooded male, if you do begin to have a problem down under, however embarrassing, go to your GP at once. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, if you are over 50 get regular PSA tests.”

Colon Powell

After undergoing radical prostatectomy surgery in 2004, Powell made a full recovery. He told AARP magazine in 2006: “I'm a cancer survivor, and I have hypertension. I go see a doctor at the drop of a hat. I take my own blood pressure on a regular basis. I don't fool around because I want to avoid health care.”

Joe Torre

The former manager of the New York Yankees was diagnosed in 1999 and underwent a prostatectomy. He told USA Today that he had experienced no systems of this silent killer. "Don't be afraid of it. You can't get checked too soon because even if your test indicates you don't have it, you can use your this information to track and stay on top of your health."