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Dennis Hopper's prostate cancer diagnosis reminds men to get checked
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It was revealed today that actor, director, artist, and all around cool dude Dennis Hopper is fighting prostate cancer. On September 30, 2009, Hopper, 73, was rushed to a New York City hospital, treated and released, his condition was disclosed as “flu-like symptoms” or “dehydration” at the time. Now, however, it appears that he is suffering from something much more serious. He is being treated at the University of Southern California and his prognosis is not known at this time.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the disease affects 1 in 6 American men. It is the most common non-skin cancer in America, more common in non-smoking men than colon, bladder, melanoma, lymphoma and kidney cancers combined. Approximately 90 percent of all prostate cancers are detected in the early stages, before they can spread, or metastasize. Therefore, the cure rate is very successful, nearly 100 percent. However, if it goes unnoticed and metastasizes in other parts of the body, the cure rate drops dramatically.
Screening for prostate cancer can involve a simple blood test and/or a digital rectal exam. The American Cancer Society recommends that men receive both types of screening each year, starting at age 50. Men of African-American descent and men with a family history of prostate cancer should be screened earlier. It is a good idea for any man 40 and older to talk to his doctor about screening.
Like Patrick Swayze’s death from pancreatic cancer, and Maura Tierney’s battle with a breast tumor, Dennis Hopper’s prostate cancer diagnosis gives us pause to think about our own health.
Indicators that a man may have prostate cancer include:
- A frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted flow
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if you are over 50, you should contact your doctor.
For as many influential films as he has in his repertoire, Dennis Hopper’s creative influence on hopeful actors and directors is tenfold. Terms like “unconventional,” “pioneer,” and “enfant terrible” have long been associated with the actor whose career has spanned nearly six decades. He has counted brooding arty types like James Dean, Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn—who named his son Hopper in tribute—among his friends. His body of work includes iconic films such as “Rebel Without A Cause,” “Giant,” “Easy Rider,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “Blue Velvet.” The king of the counterculture, Dennis Hopper has spoken openly about his battles with drugs and alcohol. He is also an accomplished photographer and painter and, as documented in this video, has a rather impressive collection of modern art.
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