Tavis Smiley . Special Feature . Road to Health . Guest . Colin Powell

Colin Powell

Former Secretary of State

We are at higher risk for prostate cancer than our white brothers. And for that reason, African American men have to be more careful, have more regular exams to detect this disease as early as possible.

Q: How does a guy who's recovering from prostate cancer travel so much?

Well, I don't know about a guy recovering from prostate cancer; for a guy as old as I am, it can be tiring. But, no, I'm 6 months, 7 months now almost since my operation, I'm doing great.

Q: Why are so many African American men contracting prostate cancer?

We are at higher risk for prostate cancer than our white brothers. It's well known; it's documented. And for that reason, African American men have to be more careful, have more regular exams, both the PSA blood test as well as a physical exam on a regular basis to detect this disease as early as possible. That's just a fact of life. African American men are at greater risk.

A retired Army general, former Secretary of State Colin Powell served his country in a 35-year military career and in public service in five administrations. He had successful prostate cancer surgery in '03 and is an advocate for early detection and informed decision-making.

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July 6th, 2004

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Recommended Web Sites

The National Prostate Cancer Coalition is an advocacy organization that works to increase awareness of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains both sides of the issue of whether to have regular screening tests for prostate cancer

PSA Rising is a patient-centered source with prostate cancer news and information about medical, scientific and social aspects of prostate cancer survival.

Published: September 15, 2005