Letter From “Uncle Charlie” Wilson About Prostate Cancer
By Charlie Wilson
August 15, 2009
This is Charlie, Last Name Wilson and I’m reaching out to our community about prostate cancer. September is Prostate Cancer Month and a perfect time for me to share some much needed information about this disease.
During a regular checkup last year, at the insistence of my wife, I was encouraged to take a PSA test. Much to my surprise, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because it was an early diagnosis, I was able to research various treatments and select the one that was right for me. Brachytherapy was the treatment we chose. Today, I am cancer free.
During my research on the disease, I learned that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and that 1 in 3 African American men will be diagnosed. These numbers were astounding to me. That’s why I have joined with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to educate the African American community on how important it is that our men get annual physical exams.
Prostate cancer is not just a man’s disease, it’s a disease that effects our entire family. That’s why it is equally important for me to reach out to the women in our community. I’m asking the ladies to please take control and persuade your husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers and
significant others to get yearly checkups which include a PSA test. My wife took control. Her insistence paid off and helped save my life. I encourage all women in the African American community to do the same.
Enclosed are some “Tips for Prostate Cancer Awareness” that I have compiled, together with the Prostate Cancer Foundation.” I want my brothers to live long, meaningful and healthy lives.
For more information please visit my website, www.unclecharliewilson.com and the Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.pcf.org.
Your attention to this important health issue is appreciated.
Blessings,
Charlie Wilson
Charlie Wilson’s Tips for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Understand prostate cancer and talk about it; share what you know with friends and family.
Know your family history and share it with your relatives, sons and grandsons.
Create a family health history document to share at family reunions and holiday celebrations.
Eat a diet low in fat, carbohydrates and processed sugars.
Do not char meats. Charring creates carcinogens that collect in the prostate and interfere with DNA repair. Marinate and flip meats on the grill frequently to minimize charring. Better yet, try stir-frying meats.
Exercise regularly.
Take control of your health and get regular checkups. Talk to your doctor about a baseline screening (PSA and DRE) when you are 40; develop a schedule of subsequent screenings based on your medical history.
If you don’t have insurance, do your research to learn about free clinics in your community.
Visit www.pcf.org for more information or www.unclecharliewilson.com
You can also order “Uncle Charlie” Fedora Hats featuring Charlie’s initials “CW” on the right side and a dazzling pattern on the left-all made up of brilliant, shimmering silver gems. Available in 3 colors and 2 sizes. Grab one for every outfit! A portion of the proceeds benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Click here to go to Uncle Charlie’s store.
Black Men In America 
August 26, 2009 at 1:40, pm
This is great story and articles, i have never visited your blog but will visiting again. Thanks for the story
October 29, 2011 at 2:00, am
hi uncle charlie i really did injoy your concert in savannah tonight you is one good looking man smile. That is really a good thing that you are doing about prostate cancer .I HOPE THAT THIS IS SOMEThing .THATevery one will take to mind about .and you really can rock that stage.i hope i can meet you face to face.love linda better none as dark and lovely plz write me back soon love you always .
October 29, 2011 at 1:45, pm
hi this is charlie
August 28, 2009 at 12:34, am
Hey Uncle Charlie!! Glad to hear you speak out about prostate cancer. Saw you on the Wendy Williams Show tonight and immediatly tried to find where to order that hat from you had on tonight….Couldn’t find it….Please Help!!!My husband, my 10 year old daughter(Lexi) and I are huge fans of yours. We will continue to pray for you…..God Bless You!!
August 28, 2009 at 12:40, am
That’s o.k. uncle charlie…guess I replied to soon…I found the site…..
August 28, 2009 at 3:22, am
Hey uncle Charlie, great article. It was very informative. I’m a 43 year old man and will take your advice to heart. I just have to say right away, that I’m your biggest fan – all the way back to the beginning of the Gap Band. You dropped a bomb with the “Bridging The Gap” CD. That was real player stuff there. But, I sing as well and got my style from you. God bless you man and keep putting it down like only you can do. Your one of a kind.
August 29, 2009 at 10:04, pm
Great article Thanks for Info,Prostate Cancer is very serious ,can u try herbal medicine?
August 31, 2009 at 2:17, am
Very very interesting post..I like this one. gotta bookmark this one.
Cheers
September 6, 2009 at 3:21, am
Endorsements of independent, When someone pays?Are found the, platinum cards can.Less tractable than, to set new.Hit good drive treating cancer, by promotional pens money Youll find.The whole bunch, website to insure.,
October 23, 2009 at 11:28, pm
BROTHER CHARLIE “”LAST NAME”” WILSON; SIR YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED IN MANY WAYS BY GOD ALMIGHTY!!! EVEN PRIOR TO YOUR BOUT WITH PROSTATE CANCER… MY WIFE CHRISTINE AND I ARE “”ARGUBLY TWO OF YOUR GREATEST FANS EVER!!!”””” I PERSONALLY HAVE MADE IT TO MORE OF YOUR CONCERTS THEN ANY OTHER MUSICIAN PERFORMING!!!! FROM THE DAYS AT THE FRONT ROW THEATRE TO PLAYHOUSE SQUARE U AND YOUR BROTHERS ROBERT/RONNIE HAVE TRULY ENERGIZED ME,GAPTIZIED ME,MOVED ME IN EVERYWAY POSSIBLE!!! (WE LOVE YA ALWAYS UNCLE CHARLIE WILSON)!!!! IF YOU EVER NEED ME TO HELP YOUR CAUSE IN ANYWAY, HERE”S MY #216-509-8486 “”GOD BLESS YA MAN”” ***YOU INSPIRE THE SOUL AND OUR WELL BEING WITH YOUR VOICE & LYRICS & MUSIC ALWAYS*** T-H-E-G-A-P-B-A-N-D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 28, 2010 at 2:37, am
Hello Charlie Wilson, it is my honor to be talking to my twin according to everybody I know and meet. I myself just had a colon test December 24,2009 christmas eve…I was nervous but I did it…I was free and clear was told I was good and did not have the to test again til I was 60 yrs old. I just turned 51 and was happy that I could not worry about this for a while. I was very surprised after reading your story that you had it, I am very happy that you are cancer free now. I proud that you are leading the way for black men to be educated on this life saving subject. I’m will be buying all your hats so I can really look like your twin this summer (smile) I already have the looks and the braids and was shocked to see you on the George lopez show with the same black beads in your hair. Now I gotta get some of thos cool glasses you wear lol….I may try to get in a look alike contest. God bless and live long…..ps keep that wife of yours, she’s a life saver and your guardian angel.
October 25, 2009 at 5:34, pm
GOD BLESS YA!!!, WITH MUCH LOVE ALWAYS BROTHER CHARLIE WILSON OF “”THE G-A-P-B-A-N-D-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOUR NUMBER#1 FANS ALWAYS QUINTERO & CHRISTINE
November 7, 2009 at 1:31, am
Mr. Wilson, I have long been a fan of yours, I think you are great! and I love your music. Thank God he has and continues to bless you. I lost my father to cancer and my uncle to prostrate cancer. I miss them both tremendously. I would love to order one of you hats to contribute to the cause for cancer. I was unable to pull up the website so I could do so. Love you so much!!
November 11, 2009 at 6:03, pm
Uncle Charlie I heard about ur prostate cancer and was happy that u are cancer free. I have been a huge fan of urs since the 1980’s when u were with ur brothers. On October 19, 2009 I saw u in concert at the Lakeland Civic Center, Lakeland Fl. U were the only reason I was attending that concert and I couldn’t wait for u to hit the stage. I brought my daughter, Alexis who is 13 and yes she is a hughe fan too. I do old school at my house and she knows about Uncle Charlie and the Gap Band. I also had my 12 year old cousin, Zamaani. The three of us went wild when u came out on stage and when u began to share ur testimony all I could do was cry and thank GOD for sparing ur life. I also thanked GOD that u were man enough to speak what was on her heart. Keep up the great work Uncle Charlie and tell ur wife thank you for saving our man. My prayers are with in all that u do. Peace and Love
November 12, 2009 at 11:08, am
Uncle Charlie, I just heard you on the Fatz and Cher, 96.3. Thanks for talking about prostate cancer. You know sometime we feel it won’t happen to one of our own. We always think its the next person maybe coming from someone like you someone will listen, then pass it on. You kinda like guess what I heard uncle Charlie say. etc Can’t wait to see in Augusta Ga.
November 26, 2009 at 3:25, pm
DEAR UNCLE CHARLIE,
MY NAME IS LINDA MOORE AND RECENTLY YOU WERE IN MONTGOMEY, AL
NOW I DON’T USUALLY GO TO CONCERTS,BUT THIS WAS DIFFERENT YOU SEE I RECENTLY LOST A DEAR COUSIN OF MIND TO PROSTATE CANCER AND WHAT YOU SAID ON STAGE MADE MY DAY. PLEASE COME BACK AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AS FAR AS LETTING MEN KNOW YOU DON’T HAVE TO DIE THEIR IS HOPE.
January 28, 2010 at 1:18, am
charlie,our blessings to you from the trujillo fam.,my wife and i have been a big fan of yours since 1982 when i married her—-our wedding song was outstanding ,may god bless you and yours…………..THE TRUJILLO FAMILY, HOUSTON TEXAS
January 28, 2010 at 1:37, am
PS. MY WIFE IS IN CANCER RESERCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS ——–MAKING CANCER HISTORY…..TO SAVE LOVELY PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF AND WITH THE GOOD LORD’S BLESSING…….KEEP MAKING WONDERFUL MUSIC……WITH LOTS OF LOVE ……….JESSE,MARY,TRISTAN AND MARISA—-SAW YOU IN THE GEORGE LOPEZ SHOW ON JAN 27,2010
February 2, 2010 at 6:02, am
Dear Uncle Charlie, God is so good. And I’m so glad to see you didn’t give up once you found out you had prostate cancer. I have a brother who was dignoised with prostate cancer. He had surgury and his wife said the doctor said he is okay. But, he is going around saying he is dying. He has given up on his self. He is even retiring from his job this month. I plan on passing this website on to his wife. Hopefully she can get him to read it. Be blessed and the good Lord brought you back to do exactly what you are doing. Keep letting the world know what the Lord did for you, how He blessed you.
February 11, 2010 at 2:04, pm
I love you and your music.
I hope you continue to make the good music and I will continue to listen. PS I am also trying to find out how to order one of your hats.
October 25, 2010 at 8:30, am
Hi Mr Wilson. I am a big fan of yours I listen to your music everyday at work on my phone. You are truly blessed. Tell your wife i said thank you for saving your life. She is truly your soulmate sent from God. I wanted to order the hats all of them but I can’t find the site.
December 13, 2010 at 11:36, am
Hi Uncle Charlie. I have been a fan of yours since the Gap—Band. I cannot get enough of listening to your music. I was at the concert that was held at the Desota Center in Southaven, Ms and at Harrah’s Casino in Tunica, Ms. I had such a wonderful time. I am glad to know that you are doing well, and has survived prostate cancer. You are my favorite artist, because you are very talented, and inspiring. Know other R&B artist does it like Uncle Charlie. You put the B in the B-e-s-t!!!!. Please hurry up and come back to Ms, because we are truely missing you. Continue to stay up. Lol, take care.
July 11, 2011 at 8:59, pm
CHARLIE,
YOUR STORY IS TOUCHING AND AN INSPIRATON, I REALLY ADMIRE YOUR WORK AND HAVE BEEN A FAN FOR YEARS. I MET SOMEONE WHO GREW UP WITH YOU, JEFFERY DAVIS FROM TULSA HE HAD A BROTHER THAT WAS KILLED IN ST. LOUIS IN A GAMBLING ROBBERY. HE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT HOW KOOL YOU WERE AND HOW YOU AFFECTED YOUR HOME TOWN BY BECOMING FAMOUS. HE WAS SO PROUD OF YOU.
August 19, 2011 at 11:33, am
Charlie,
Thank you for sharing your story and for supporting the efforts of organizations that educate men and women regarding this diease. I too, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have been cancer free for four years and truely blessed to have such caring and loving people in my life. Having served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, two tours of Viet nam and Desert Storm, the diagnosis really scared me. Prior to the diagnosis, I thought I KNEW how to live, but after treatment I now KNOW how to live. I have be truely blessed by the Master with family, friends and associates that have enriched my life spiritually, educationally and emotionally. Thanks for sharing your story and for support the efforts of educating other men and women of our generation.
Very Sincerely,
Teddie A. Gregory Sr.
CWO5, USMC, Retired
September 3, 2011 at 12:16, pm
i love what uncle charile is doing and hes really doing a great job on getting the word out cause we all know men don’t like going to the doctors
November 14, 2011 at 3:13, pm
Hi, Charlie how you been, When in come to Baltimore, Maryland on December 29, 2011, I will in been amateur, My name is Bernadette L. Smith I am 64 yrs old, I been following when I was in Gate Band when I was teenage. I had breast cancer in June,2003, My doctor took cancer out my breast. When in summer come to M & T Stadium came to your concert.
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!! Because you tell the truth!!!!
I will you see in the Lyric Theater on Dec 29, 2011….
November 18, 2011 at 8:55, am
Good Afternoon Charlie, thanks for not only sharing your music, but also your personal story for awareness. My name is Keith Beauford . My organization is Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Epsilon Pi Chapter in Chester Pa. Which is 15miles south of Philadelphia. I chair Blood Drive/Prostate Awareness in my city. Im looking ahead to September with hope that you will inspire men in my region to come that day and get educated and screened . We would love to have you in Chester where moral is down. I look forward to speaking with you in the future. Thank you Beau.
March 10, 2015 at 1:34, pm
I admire you, and what a show you put on at the barclays center on,3_5 15. Kem would have enjoyed as well, had he showed