FAMOUS SURVIVORS

Merv Griffin
Singer and actor who became better known as host and producer of the "The Merv Griffin Show" in the 1960s. Went on to produce other shows, including "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune." Underwent radiation therapy in 2000. He was 75.

Louis Farrakhan
Controversial civil rights activist and leader of the Nation of Islam. Received brachytherapy seed implants in 1994 at the age of 61. Launched the Louis Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation in 2003.

Charlton Heston
Hollywood legend who later became chairman of the National Rifle Association. Received external radiotherapy and brachytherapy seed implants in 1998 at the age of 74. Recently announced that he has Alzheimer's.

Nelson Mandela
South African anti-apartheid activist who was jailed for 20 years and later became the country's first black president. Underwent a prostatectomy in 1984 while in detention, another prostate surgery in 1990, and radiotherapy in 2000. Turned 84 this month.

Michael Milken
Financier who made a fortune on the stock market during the 1980s. Underwent hormone therapy and radiotherapy in 1993 and later founded the Prostate Cancer Foundation with $25 million out of his own pocket. Has been one of the most prominent spokesmen for prostate health awareness since then.

Rupert Murdoch
Australia-born media magnate who owns the Fox network. Underwent radiation therapy in 2000. He was 69.

Arnold Palmer
Legendary golfer. Underwent radical prostatectomy, which may have failed, as he later was reported to have undergone radiation therapy.

The following men are known to have been treated for prostate cancer, but the details are a bit sketchy:

Marion Barry: Two-time mayor of Washington, D.C. In between his two terms, served time for being videotaped smoking crack ...

Sean Connery: Oscar-winning Scottish actor who will always be the "real" James Bond to some fans.

Billy Davis, Jr.: Singer for the 1960s soul group The Fifth Dimension.

George Foreman: Former heavyweight champion of the world, now better known for selling grills.

Robert Goulet: Canadian singer who had a string of hits and film roles in the 1960s.

Jerry Lewis: Comedian and muscular dystrophy activist.

Sidney Poitier: Actor who had the distinction of being the first African-American to win an Oscar in a leading role for "In the Heat of the Night.