Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2009 > February > 18 > Entry
2/18: Clark Howard has prostate cancer, caught early
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WSB-AM and HLN host Clark Howard has early-stage prostate cancer.
He told me he’s set to announce it today on his radio show at 2:30 p.m.
Given what doctors had warned him leading up to the diagnosis two-plus weeks ago, he said he wasn’t surprised. And since the doctors detected it so early, his chance of full recovery, he said, is almost 100%.
After extensive research (you wouldn’t expect anything less from Clark), he plans to have laparoscopic surgery, though he has yet to set a date. Howard said when he does the surgery, he will be out two weeks to recover.
Howard, who is 53 years old, said he was on his annual trip with his employees, this year to China, when his wife Lane called him with the news. “There was no shock, no fear,” he said. “This isn’t what’s going to kill me. It’s probably going to be something like driving down 285 will kill me.” (He also used to ride a scooter around town but his wife forced him to sell it.)
He plans to encourage male listeners to get checked. “Guys don’t go to the doctor,” he said. “That’s a big mistake. What kills guys are silent killers. We don’t do the basics we should like go for physicals and checkups.” Women generally “are more used to being poked around. Guys are really wimps about this stuff.”
Howard notes that in Europe, doctors often go into “watchful waiting” for early detection cancer patients, checking every 90 days. But only 9 percent of patients in the United States take that option, he said. Here, people would rather get the surgery over with pronto.
The well-reknowned cheapskate is such an upbeat, amiable guy, when he has told colleagues and friends about it, they sometimes don’t believe him. “Everybody reacts in their own way,” he said, based on their own experiences. “If they had a family member die of a brutal cancer, it’s doom and gloom. If they had a family member have a minor cancer, they’re cool.”
UPDATE: He repeated much of this on the air to listeners of more than 200 radio stations nationwide at 2:30 p.m. today. He noted that doctors noted an elevated PSA reading more than two years ago and had him checked every 90 days, plus a biopsy ever six months. The fourth biopsy recently showed some trouble. “It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s not that big a deal,” he said.
Comments
By 1 time
February 18, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
We will pray for you and your family Clark. God bless you.
By Cheshire Cat
February 18, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this
I’m always amazed at my male co-workers who never go to the doctor for a physical. I’m over 45 and get a physical every 2 years. Yes the Dr will tell me to lose weight and exercise more, etc…but I’d rather deal with that then to be told I have cancer and it’s too bad I didn’t come in earlier.
By Joshua Barlowe
February 18, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
In this case, don’t opt for the cheapest treatment available. God bless you.
By dianne
February 18, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
God bless you Clark. We are all praying on your behalf and we’re sure you will be 100% well after your surgery!
By Joshua Barlowe
February 18, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
In this case, don’t opt for the cheapest treatment available. God bless you.
By Lady Strange
February 18, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
Get well soon Clark!
By atllaw191
February 18, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
Wishing Clark Howard the BEST…hoping for a complete/speedy recovery!
By Jill
February 18, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
“Guy’s don’t go to the doctor,” he said.
Come on, AJC. Do you need a copy editor? Can you find the error in this quote?
By Marilyn Wade
February 18, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
Hello Clark Howard,
I just wanted to let you know that I am a fan and was sadden to hear about your diagnosis. I am glad however to hear that it was caught in the early stages. I want to wish you well and pray for a speedy recovery. I enjoy listening to your advice. Take care.
God Bless,
Marilyn
By Donna Fleishman
February 18, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
Clark, Your credibility with men will make a big difference. When YOU tell them to get screened, they will listen. When YOU tell them about your experience, they will trust you. Thanks for offering to be a voice of reason.
By andy zappas
February 18, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
There is one name and one name only to preform this either laparoscopically or robotically……Dr Scott Miller at Ga Urology. I was up and back to work in a week and have been clean since 10/2006
By Kevin
February 18, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Get well soon Clark. Let us know if you get a good deal on your health care.
By Laschea
February 18, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
God bless you and take care of yourself.
By tomlauerman
February 18, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Best of luck Clark. You will beat this and have a full recovery!
By Blkshepherd
February 18, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Got a doctors appt today at 315pm. taking rest of day off. I will request a physical as the last one was about 2yrs ago. maybe 3. I believe it was two. It doesnt take long for time to JET by between your last physical. I am the same age as Clark. Had 3 colonoscophys.they sucked big time.had palaps removed. Not due again until 3yrs from now. Had one last yr. No cancer. But you have to be tested. It is a silent killer. You feel nothing until the damage is all ready done. Kind of like smoking cigs. Feels good but the damage is lasting and fatal. Prostate cancer in men is wide spread because most dudes refuse to have another guy poking in their butts with a finger but I swear. Its better than a death certificate. Because that is exactly What your going to get if you dont get checked and screened.
By CL
February 18, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
You and yours will be in my prayers. And as popular as you are, I bet this will spread the word to the guys out there who have been putting off a trip to the doctor.
By Donna Fleishman
February 18, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
Clark, Your credibility with men will make a big difference. When YOU tell them to get screened, they will listen. When YOU tell them about your experience, they will trust you. Thanks for offering to be a voice of reason.
By Kat
February 18, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Clark, all of us out here will be thinking of you (and your family) during this time. Know that everyone wishes you well.
By KG
February 18, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
You can beat this Clark!!! We’re praying for you.
By Becci
February 18, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Clark, My brother had prostste cancer when he was only 40. He was active duty and durning his check up it was found. That was in 2004 he had surgery and since retired 2005, so with much success he is 46 and cancer free. Early detection is the key. Take care and I sure all will be fine. Will keep you in my prayers
By lora
February 18, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Clark i pray you will beat this cancer you have saved me lots of money and i never even thanked you so i am saying thank you for all you do ever day and it is all free now how cool is that please get well we all need you
By GettingOutOfDebt
February 18, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this
Wishing Clark the BEST and a speedy recovery. We love watching you on CNN and checking in with your tips!
By Blkshepherd
February 18, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Got a doctors appt today at 315pm. taking rest of day off. I will request a physical as the last one was about 2yrs ago. maybe 3. I believe it was two. It doesnt take long for time to JET by between your last physical. I am the same age as Clark. Had 3 colonoscophys.they sucked big time.had palaps removed. Not due again until 3yrs from now. Had one last yr. No cancer. But you have to be tested. I need to KNOW whats going on with me. It is a silent killer. You feel nothing until the damage is all ready done. Kind of like smoking cigs. Feels good but the damage is lasting and fatal. Prostate cancer in men is wide spread because most dudes refuse to have another guy poking in their butts with a finger but I swear. Its better than a death certificate. Because that is exactly What your going to get if you dont get checked and screened and poked.
By Vlaerie
February 18, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
Clark, I’m praying you have a full and speedy recovery. This is not the end all do all, just continue to follow doctors orders. I wish you the best.
By 2 jill
February 18, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
the ‘s on the word GUYS, but considering the seriousness of the article - it should be overlooked.
My prayers are with you Clark - As a cancer survivor know that cancer is NOT a death sentence - it is a reason to start living.
By Atlanta Debtor
February 18, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
Clark- Best wishes for you and your family. Sending good vibes your way. Thanks for all your advice over the years.
By Jeff
February 18, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Jill—I’m sure they ran spellcheck. :)
By Woody Bass
February 18, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Sending lots of positive energy your way Clark. Stay strong and get well soon!
By mark lown
February 18, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Clark, as a 5-year survivor of prostate cancer, I can say with absolute confidence that with strong faith and the positive attitude you possess, you’ll have no trouble beating this frightening disease. God bless!
By Tim
February 18, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
My father spent over 10 years dealing with cancer that started at the prostate. Every time I talked with him, before his death 4 years ago, he would always tell me to get mine checked. He never did until it was too late.
Man up and get it checked.
By Jackie Smith
February 18, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
Clark, I expect nothing but a full recovery for you, along with many more years for Lane to try and help you understand that it is sometimes o.k. to be lavish!! (ha, ha) May God bless you and your family today and all the days to come. You are always in our hearts and prayers.
Jackie
By Strom
February 18, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
Goooooooooooood morning/ Clark, you wimped out again. Next will be pay day loans. Prostate ads and car wreck lawyers are running neck and neck. This is a money $$$$ maker for the hospitals and Indian Doctors just like c-sections and shoulder operations on 90 yr. olds. You need to save your nuts because 5 yrs. from now they will tell you it was a bad idea. Love ya but this is a bad idea.
By Martha Tanner
February 18, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
I admire you for being so open about your diagnosis. It will help others decide to be tested. You spend your life being helpful to others! You will be in my prayers for the very best outcome from your treatment. Martha Tanner
By raceman94
February 18, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this
Hang in there tough guy! I’m glad you caught it early!
By Samantha
February 18, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
Good for you, Clark! I am a hospice nurse and I am tired of seeing men in their 40s and 50s die of prostate cancer. It is hard on these families to lose someone so young. A quick appointment can save alot of suffering and grief.
By Jeff
February 18, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this
Strom—-Huh? You totally lost me.
By douglascarroll
February 18, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
wish you well clarke … Google high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)… its available in Canada and most other countries except here in US (still under FDA review)
By Samantha
February 18, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
Good for you for getting checked out, Clark! May God bless you and your family during your treatment. I am a hospice nurse and I am tired of seeing men in their 40s and 50s die of prostate cancer. It is hard on these families to lose someone so young. A quick appointment can save alot of suffering and grief.
By lora
February 18, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
thank you for all you do for ever one you have helped me and it is all free now how cool is that god bless you thru this cancer and if any one can beat this you will
By AL
February 18, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
Clark- You are the man! Best of luck with your treatment. I will be thinking of you!
By KUDR
February 18, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
DON’T WAIT FOR THE FREE HEALTHCARE TO KICK IN BEFORE GETTING TREATED
By Margaret K
February 18, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
Once again Clark Howard has shown himself to be the one of the smartest talk show hosts on the air. He is definitely the nicest and the least egotistical. My best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Hurry back, Clark, we need you.
By Micwat
February 18, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
Clark, I will send up a prayer for you. Godspeed on your recovery! You are a great guy!
I have learned a lot from you and I’m looking forward to learning a whole lot more :)
By Lynn
February 18, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
Clark, Hope and pray all goes well with you. Educate the men about this cancer. I know you will. And while you’re at it, encourage ladies to have a CA125 blood test when they have their physical. It is only a screening for Ovarian Cancer, but at this point in time is the only test and indicator. There are symptoms, but the symptoms are often treated as a gastrology problem. This can cause the cancer to go undetected until it may be too late. My mom was diagnosed 4 years ago this month after going to 4 different doctors and being told there was nothing wrong. She has been cancer free since then. Best of luck to you. Keep busy and eat well. That’s the key to staying strong thru this. Blessings, Lynn
By Craig
February 18, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this
Clark I have been listening to you for several years and your approach is refreshing in this day and age when bad things make the headlines with our drama graduates in the newsmedia even our weather people now seem to have majored in drama. Your positive approach to life is the best medicine for recovery and we all could take a lesson. God Bless you as you go through this bump in the road of life.
By MIKE
February 18, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
CLARK,GOOD LUCK GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
By douglascarroll
February 18, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
wish you well clarke … Google high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)… its available in Canada and most other countries except here in US (still under FDA review)
By Piratelady
February 18, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
Clark, get well soon. I listen all the time and watch your show. Take care of yourself and your family. I know you will!! I have to continue to hear you everyday. You are what gets me by when I start feeling like giving up on my debt.
Jill - With all due respect, this wasn’t the appropriate forum to call out the bad grammar. We are talking about someone’s life and you made the decision to nit pick the grammar instead of giving well wishes. Lucky for you there is freedom of speech right?
By Craig Spinks /Augusta
February 18, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
Somebody tell Clark to call Scott Miller, M.D. of Georgia Urology Associates at Northside Hospital. Dr. Miller is a magician with DaVinci-based robotic-laparoscopic radical prostatectomies. How do I know? He did mine on 9/25/08 at NH.
By Pat Robinson
February 18, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Clark, I wish you a clean bill of health in the very near future. You and your family will be in my prayers. Atlanta will be lost without you for 2 weeks of recovery. You are the best man I know on the radio and television. I am a Clark Howard believer.
Take care and please follow the doctor’s orders along with Laine’s orders.
By Becky Padgett
February 18, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this
Clark, all of us at Wells Real Estate Funds, Inc. (where you spoke a few years ago) will be praying for you.
By Lilaine
February 18, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
You have given so much of your time to “heal” others with consumer problems~ It’s time to take care of YOU. Thanks for all you do each day to keep us all informed, especially now for the fathers, brothers, sons out there regarding this very curable disease! Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
By A friend
February 18, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Clark - Best of luck to you. My dad was diagnosed with this last November. He’s in his 80’s and treatment is much different for him.
Encouraging other men to get check-ups often is so key. There’s a statistic (if true) — 80% of men by their 80 birthday will get prostrate cancer.
Keep your upbeat attitude and you’ll successfully conquer this!
By Becky Greene
February 18, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
Who better than yourself to be the advocate for this form of cancer. You will have such a great chance to make a difference in men and their awareness to this disease. A high five for being honest about your health. I will pray for you Mr. Howard as I to have fought the battle of cancer and know the power of prayer. Our God is a big God. Blessings
By inou
February 18, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
Everybody Loves Clark!
By Dale Israel
February 18, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
I hope you do well, Clark and I wish you the best of luck.
For anyone who cannot afford a PSA or digital rectal exam (DRE), Northside Hospital offers them free during the month of September which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, fokds can visit our website at www.northside.com or contact me at 404-851-6787 or dale.israel@northside.com. Catching prostate cancer in the early stages can save lives!
Best of luck! Dale Israel, RN,MN
By Rob
February 18, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
I think one of thr reasons people dont checked is they cant afford it, or they dont have insurance. Europe seems to have an advantage in this situation.
By Becky
February 18, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
Clark, I greatly admire you and the way you have been so generous to share your research & excitment to help us all save money and use it wisely. God has blessed many people through your advise. I pray now He will especially bless you as He goes with you through your recovery.
By RAQUEL
February 18, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
Clark, My father was diagnoised with prostate cancer in 2006. It was caught early based on his PSA results from a blood test. He immediately had surgery and is cancer free! My father is 65 years old and doing very well. For the men that are afraid of the physical exams, at least ask for PSA and test your blood. My prayers are with you Clark and you will be fine.
By JB
February 18, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
Clark, you are in my thoughts and prayers. However, you are a strong spirit and will be fine. Your voice will now have a chance to teach people not only how to save a buck, but also how to save a life. God Speed.
By Dale Israel
February 18, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
I hope you do well, Clark and I wish you the best of luck.
For anyone who cannot afford a PSA or digital rectal exam (DRE), Northside Hospital offers them free during the month of September which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, folks can visit our website at www.northside.com or contact me at 404-851-6787 or dale.israel@northside.com. Catching prostate cancer in the early stages can save lives!
Best of luck! Dale Israel, RN,MN
By long time listener
February 18, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
Best wishes to Clark and family. He’s a real asset to Atlanta and the world. Glad they caught it early. Definitely a lesson there for all of us.
By Key
February 18, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
I know you will pull through all this like a champ because there are so many prayers going up there for you and God will heal you for sure. You are my inspiration and I have faith that God will continue to bless and keep you Clark because you have a lot more to do. Take care of yourself like you have taken care of everybody else!! It’s just time for you to take a break.
By b6542
February 18, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
Clark-
I had this procedure 2 years ago. Was back at work in less than a week. Good luck and don’t rush things post-op. “Enjoy” the recovery knowing you are cancer free and you caught it early….
-BB
By Jon
February 18, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this
Clark,
I pray for you to get well soon. I also pray that your family have the strength to help you through this ordeal! Much love…
By yelladawg
February 18, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Good luck, Clark! We’re hoping the best.
By BigDaddy
February 18, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
Clark, since you’re a man that appreciates researching all your options, the best option you have for cure isn’t necessarily with surgery. You need to at least go for a consultation with Dr. Frank Critz at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia (RCOG). You should definitely read the Q&A section, as it contains critical information for any man looking at prostate cancer treatment options to consider.
And here’s something you can really appreciate - RCOG has treated over 12,000 men, and offers a service no one else in Atlanta offers - an Individual Cure Rate (ICR). They calculate an ICR based on your pre-treatment characteristics as compared to every man they’ve treated with similar pre-treatment stats. They then will tell you precisely your chance for cure is with their procedure, called ProstRcision, which actually has higher overall cure rates than surgery, with less incidence of side effects.
Keep researching, Clark. You’ve still got some work to do.
By Martha
February 18, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this
Clark — I’ll be sending good thoughts to you for an easy, speedy, thorough recovery. (But don’t cheap out on this one, okay?) You are a beacon of positivity and possibility… I’m grateful to you for what you contribute to the world. :-)
By dave
February 18, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
I am a prostate cancer survivor (47 yrs old) and was diagnosed five years old with a psa of 4.25 the highest. My psas have always been in the high 2 or low 3s. Men know your average psa level. I treated it with radiation seed then had the robotic surgery afterwards as the psa starting to rise again. If I had to do it over I would not have removed the prostate. Clark you are very young and have a wife to please. Delay the surgery and look at other options until you are in your late 60’s. The gland is a VERY important sex gland and bundle of nerves and doctors won’t tell you that prostate cancer is one of the slowest growing cancers. Most men will die with it. I am saddened that the BEST years of my relationship with my wife may be over due to the removal of the gland. Change your diet, take vitamins and use the watchful waiting method. God bless you, Clark.
By Austin Rhodes
February 18, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Our thoughts and prayers are with Clark…he is a smart guy…and he is tough!
By Greg @KFI
February 18, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this
Hang in there, Clark…you’ll wind up as the inspiration for my own needed checkup.
By Katy
February 18, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this
God bless and keep you. Will be praying for your speedy recovery.
By Rick
February 18, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this
Clark I was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer in December 2006 at the age of 46. I am in the Medical field and I did my research. I would not have surgery under any circumstances! I lived in Florida at the time and I was treated in Atlanta by a wonderful doctor by the name of Dr. Critz. He runs the RadioTherapy Clinics of GA. Brachy Thrapy with external Radiation is the only way to go. Dont let them cut you. You are to young to become incontinent and impotent. I would make an appointment with Dr. Critz and get another opinion, you have time. Remember, a Urologist is a surgeon. They love to cut. In my opinion the best surgeon can only nerve spare so many nerves. Just say no to the blade! Good luck.
By Catherine Morris
February 19, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
I listen to you everyday. Because of you and your advice, I got out of $21,000 in credit card debt in three years. I am now debt free, and I thank you for this. I just finsihed my chemo and radiation protocol for breast cancer. I was fortunate. It was small and caught early. Ask the doctor all the questions you have, espcially about the side effects if chemo is required. Besides the physical side effects, there are emotional ones. I did not know this, and they were worse than the physical ones which were expected. You will be in my prayers for a complete and speedy recovery. Be kind to yourself and take all the time you need for a comfortable and complete recovery.
By Barbara
February 20, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
Clark I listen to you every day, I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers and wish you a speedy recovery.
By Kathy
February 22, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
Clark, For a well educated informed man I am so disappointed that you chose surgery. For a risk cancer like yours and for your age, long term comparitable results show Brachytherapy( seeds) is a much safer and better treatment option. Minimally invasive out patient procedure with 15 year+ results, no cathters, better sexual function, less risk of incontinence. Please do more research!!