As Arnold Palmer's 80th birthday approaches, we're offering up highlights of the man's many facets. Today, one of his most important battles -- and it had nothing to do with a golf course.

In his late '60s, long after his best playing days were behind him, Arnold Palmer was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Palmer opted for the most radical treatment possible -- prostate removal -- and was sidelined for months. He didn't play golf for eight weeks, and when he did return to the course, he was noticeably weaker.

But getting to return to the course at all was the major step. As Palmer noted in an interview, he was being diagnosed at the same time as a 29-year-old man. It isn't just an old man's disease, but on the other hand it can be caught early with proper testing.

"When men are scared, 'I don't want to go have a PSA because I'm scared what they're going to find,' that is the most stupid, ridiculous statement I have ever heard in my life!" Palmer said. "And I tell men that." And when Arnie talks, it's a good idea to listen.

Palmer has dedicated much of his time and energy to fighting prostate cancer and spreading the word about treatment and checkup options. His name adorns the Prostate Center at the Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center in Rancho Mirage, California. It's a total care center for healing, one that -- coincidentally enough -- is surrounded by dozens of golf courses. But Palmer would surely be just as happy if you never visited it.

So there you go. To learn more about the disease, treatment and other info, go to The Arnold Palmer Prostate Center's website at palmerprostate.org.