Hornets Owner George Shinn Announces Cancer Diagnosis
Written by WGNO ABC26 News
Friday, 06 November 2009 12:30
ABC26 News
Hornets Owner George Shinn won't be sitting court side at the next few Hornets games. He's making his health the main attraction.
"There's nobody that will fight harder with more intense ferver than Mr. Shinn," says Hornets Communications Director Harold Kaufman. He says Shinn announced he's got prostate cancer earlier today.
"He didn't have any symptoms but regularly does get a check-up and just discovered it recently," Kaufman says.
"Well prostate cancer is not an uncommon illness. The older you are, the more likely you are to have it," says LSUHSC Family Medicine Doctor Kim Edward LeBlanc says men under 40 with a family history of prostate cancer or high risk factors like heavy smoking or drinking should get regular prostate cancer screenings. "There's often no warning signs until it's really far advanced, and that's why the screening is so important."
Experts say men are less likely to go to the doctor. Dr. LeBlanc says women may need to nudge their loved ones to be more proactive. "One of the things a woman can tell her spouse is that, 'There's no reason for a man to die of prostate cancer.' It's so easily detectible."
And Kaufman says Shinn is very optimistic. "I think what he would ask of everyone is to just pray for him because he does believe in the power of prayer, and he knows with that, he can get better."
The Hornets are busy playing the Toronto Raptures tonight. Kaufman says the players are concerned about Mr. Shinn. However, he says Shinn will want them to focus on tonight and their upcoming games.
