In a message on his website, former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh has announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Lesh revealed that he will undergo surgery in early December to have the cancer removed.
“Since we’ve caught it very early, and it’s small and slow-growing, I fully expect to have a rapid and complete recovery,” he stated.
The 66-year-old, who plays with his band Phil Lesh and Friends, was a founding member of the Grateful Dead. He was the band’s bassist for 30 years before they disbanded in 1995 due to the death of frontman and guitarist Jerry Garcia.
Dr. Harry Neuwirth is an oncologist at Sutter Marin General Hospital. He says the prostate is a gland that produces semen. As men get older, especially past 50, the prostate can become a cancer magnet. He urges annual blood tests beginning at 50, and at 40 for men with a family history of the disease.
“Patients with localized prostate cancer have a lot of excellent options now,” Dr. Neuwirth said. “With PSA screening, about three quarters of the patients are curable.
In the statement, Lesh said all his scheduled appearances will remain intact. He also sent a message to everyone: “Speak to your doctor about having periodic regular PSA screening for early detection of prostate cancer—you may save your own life.†He added that he’s grateful to be alive. “The message is, be tested,” Lesh said.
