Dan Fogelberg Passes Away, Leaves Letter to Fans

Music legend Dan Fogelberg has lost his battle with prostate cancer. The famed singer passed away at his home in Maine at just 56 years old.

The Grammy-nominated artist, who sold more than 15 million records, was diagnosed with an advanced case of prostate cancer in 2004. Just a few months later, the cancer had already spread to his bones. He died Sunday, his wife of five years, Jean, at his side.

Today, “Extra” has the message Dan left behind for every man.

On his website , Dan writes:

“To each and every man....

“I cannot encourage you strongly enough to get a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test EVERY YEAR.

“The medical community suggests this for men over 50, but men with a family history of prostate cancer should start getting tested at age 40.

“The PSA test is a simple blood test...it only takes a minute or two. The DRE, okay, every man squirms at the thought of this exam, but hey, it too takes only a minute or two, and IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

“Prostate cancer can be very slow growing or very aggressive, but detected early while it is still confined to the prostate gland, it can usually be treated and cured successfully.

“Once it spreads beyond the prostate it is called Advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa). At this point it becomes imminently more life threatening and harder to treat. Do yourself and your loved ones a huge favor and GET CHECKED REGULARLY. I promise you, you DON'T want to go through what I'm going through if you can avoid it.

“Education and awareness are key, I urge you to follow the link below to the Prostate Cancer Foundation web site and read up on how best to protect yourself and reduce your likelihood of contracting this terrible disease.”