Don Imus Has Prostate Cancer

Don Imus, the "Imus In The Morning" talk show host, announced on air today that he has stage II prostate cancer. Don Imus told the audience that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last Wednesday. He said he wasn't going to say anything but decided to because he may have to take a day or two off for treatment. Don Imus outlook is very good. He said, "The prognosis couldn't be better." According to the cancer.gov website, in stage II, cancer is more advanced than in stage I, but has not spread outside the prostate.

Don Imus caused a storm of controversy in 2007 when he called Rutgers basketball team women "nappy-headed hos." Imus did apologize to the Ruters team, but he was fired by CBS and MSNBC for his comments.

Don Imus is not the first public figure to recently announce he has prostate cancer. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced he had prostate cancer on April 2000. Giuliani was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a PSA test showed elevated results. Rudy Giuliani had Brachytherapy treatment, radioactive seeds were implanted followed by external radiation to treat his prostate cancer. Giuliani was cured of his prostate cancer since it was caught in a very early stage.

What are the odds of developing prostate cancer?

National Prostate Cancer Coalition says that one in six men will get prostate cancer. Some of risk factors for developing prostate cancer include: Family history of the disease, being over the age of 50 and being African American.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

The two most initial tests for prostate cancer are a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test. After a doctor suspects prostate cancer may be present, a biopsy is often performed. The doctors may determine the stage of the cancer and if the cancer has spread by the following tests: MRI, CT scan, Radionuclidebone scan, Seminal vesicle biopsy or Pelvic lymphadenectomy

Prostate cancer like most cancers can come back later in life. Follow up screenings are recommended for the rest of the patients life.

Sources:

Popeater.com "Radio Host Don Imus Is Battling Cancer"
Myfoxny.com "Don Imus Has Cancer"
Los Angels Times Don Imus says he has cancer
National Cancer Institute Stages of Prostate Cancer
Msnbc.com "CBS fires Don Imus from radio show"
USA today "Giuliani defeats prostate cancer"
New York Times "Giuliani Starts Final Phase of Cancer Treatment"
National Cancer Institute General Information About Prostate Cancer
prostate-cancer.com Brachytherapy Prostate Seed Implant
National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Screening