Bob Dole: Guinea Pig For Viagra

(AP)  Calling it "a great drug," former Sen. Bob Dole says he was among the men who took part in trials of the new impotence pill Viagra.

"I wish I'd have bought stock earlier," the 1996 Republican presidential nominee quipped during a broadcast interview Thursday night.

Dole, 74, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991 while serving as a senator from Kansas, and underwent surgery.

Since then, he has appeared in TV ads, before Congress, and in interviews to promote the importance of early detection and encourage men to speak frankly with their doctors about prostate-related problems, including impotence.

Dole made his comments during an interview on CNN's Larry King Live. When King asked what he thought about the overwhelming popularity of the new impotence pill, Dole said, "It is a great drug. I'll be honest. I was in the protocol and participated in the program.

"I think we need to learn more about it. There are many men out there, millions of men out there, who suffer from impotence, and this may be the first step," he said.

Dole also said his own cancer had been cured and urged other men to have prostate exams.