Fineberg Takes Leave For Surgery

University Provost Harvey V. Fineberg '67 is undergoing surgery this week for what appears to be an early stage of prostate cancer, Harvard officials said last night.

Associate Provost Dennis F. Thompson will coordinate the provost's office during what Fineberg expects to be about a month-long absence from his post.

"The prognosis is good," said Joe Wrinn, the University spokesperson.

Fineberg notified his staff of the situation Tuesday and told deans and other University officials yesterday.

"He and his doctors are optimistic," Thompson said yesterday. "Harvey was able to get most of the critical business under control before he left this afternoon.... So far everybody seems to think business is in order and we'll be able to manage for a while."

According to a statement released by the Harvard News Office, Fineberg expects to resume his tasks gradually over the next few months.

"The work of the office is continuing in exactly the same way in his absence," Assistant Provost Sarah Wald said.

Assistant Provost Marsha Semuels said she does not expect Fineberg to be gone for very long.

"We'll be in touch with him when he's ready," she said. "He has indicated to each of us how he wants to proceed on the various things that the office is working on. I feel that things will go pretty smoothly."

"[Fineberg] has indicated that depending on how he's doing, he'll be in touch with us in a short time period, through telephone or computer," she said.

Wald said that since Fineberg's absence coincides with much of the winter holiday, the office will likely run smoothly.

"Things are a little bit slower [around the holidays]," Thompson said.

"Harvey is a well-organized person. At this time of year, we can cope. We couldn't go on for months with this arrangement," Thompson added.

According to the American Cancer Society, with the exception of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. About 179,300 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year.

Fifty-eight percent of all prostate cancers are discovered before they spread beyond the prostate. If the cancer is caught at this stage, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.

"It's a really slow-growing cancer," said Dr. Roy M. Ambinder, a clinical oncologist.

If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body before doctors can detect it, the chance of survival over five years is around 31 percent. The surgery will help doctors determine the extent of Fineberg's cancer.

Wrinn said Fineberg, who is also a medical doctor, is an example of the importance of early detection and preventive medicine.

"He appreciates the value of regular checkups," Wrinn said. "[He's] an example of how...prevention can increase your chances of getting over something like this."

But Thompson said the news of Fineberg's condition is particularly sad considering the time of year.

"It's not what you like to have at the holidays," he said.

In a letter to his associates, Fineberg said, "I will miss joining many of you in the holiday festivities that mark this time of year. My thoughts and best wishes are with you now, and I look forward to being back with you in the New Year."

"We are of course very concerned," Wald said. "We are wishing Harvey a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with him."