Governor sounds alarm on cancer

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday he has treatable prostate cancer.

"Treatments will last the next several months, but they will present no impairment to my ability to perform my duties as governor," said the 67-year-old Democrat.

"I am very thankful that my doctors caught this cancer quickly and have worked with me to plan a treatment schedule that will address my medical issues and allow me to serve the people of Pennsylvania."

When Wolf divulged the presence of the illness, he cast a spotlight on one of the most common and treatable of cancers.

It's so common that it's been said that "if you're a man and you live long enough, you'll have prostate cancer."

Factors might include a diet high in processed meat, red meat, or milk products or low in certain vegetables. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

"I encourage everyone in Pennsylvania to make sure they schedule regular checkups with their doctors and be aware of screening guidelines so early detection and treatment can be possible," Wolf said.

When politicians, entertainers and celebrities open the door to their most personal medical challenges, it benefits the entire population through greater awareness and additional dialogue.

For instance, in 1998, actor Michael Fox became a poster boy for Parkinson's disease which had been diagnosed when he was 30.

Parkinson's develops due to the death of brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical crucial to balance, speech and even memory. There's no cure.

Fox came to represent an illness that gets worse over time. But he's also credited with focusing attention on the issue and the plight of Parkinson's sufferers.

Similarly, sports fans and others will remember how Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., former point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, stepped forward with an announcement on Nov. 7, 1991, that he was HIV-positive.

The following year he played on America's "Dream Team" in the Olympics and inspired other HIV-positive people.

Finally, many will remember how actor Yul Brynner, longtime smoker diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, prepared a short video to be shown following his death.

Brynner died on Oct. 10, 1985, in New York City, after which his prerecorded, anti-cigarette message was broadcast: "Now that I'm gone, I tell you: Don't smoke. Whatever you do, just don't smoke. If I could take back that smoking, we wouldn't be talking about any cancer. I'm convinced of that."

Brynner's filmed warning was powerful when it aired just days after his death.

It helps when we learn about the struggle of our contemporaries, especially when it prompts us to positive action.

All the best to Gov. Wolf as he fights prostate cancer. His courage to step forward and share the message will benefit many.

By Donald R. Serfass | dserfass@tnonline.com