Veteran actor Louis Gossett Jr. has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The An Officer and a Gentleman star has started an intensive treatment program to battle the disease.

Gossett reveals the cancer is in its early stages and he's determined to remain optimistic so he can get back to work as soon as possible. He says, "I count this diagnosis among the many challenges I have faced in my life and overcome. I expect this to be no different."

Gossett made the revelation on Tuesday (09Feb10) in a bid to encourage other black men to undergo regular examinations to prevent the spread of the cancer. He adds, "(I wanted) to set an example for the large number of African-American men who are victims of this disease because of the comparatively low emphasis in our community on preventive examinations and early treatment." (MT/WNWR/KL)

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