Biden Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer: A Doctor Explains
Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he’s been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. While the news may be concerning, his office emphasized that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it can be managed effectively.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. It’s often treatable, with an overall five-year survival rate of 97%. However, that rate drops to 37% when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, as is the case for Biden.
Biden’s Specific Diagnosis
Dr. Ben Davies, a urology professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explained to NPR that Biden likely has a very advanced form of the disease, possibly the worst type. Biden’s office confirmed he has a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-risk cancer.
Treatment Options and Outlook
Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, Davies offered a cautiously optimistic outlook. There are several effective treatment options available to Biden, including:
Hormonal Therapy
Injections to suppress testosterone levels, which can slow the cancer’s growth and potentially shrink tumors in the bones.
Chemotherapy
Often used in advanced prostate cancer cases to kill cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Proven to extend the lives of patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
“It’s not all doom and gloom, to be honest,” Davies said. “He can easily live 10 years with this disease.”
Biden’s Age and Condition
While Biden’s age, 82, is a factor, Davies emphasized that his individual physiology will play a larger role in determining the best treatment plan. Certain medications might increase frailty, but Biden’s overall health will be carefully considered.
Biden’s Response and the Fight Against Cancer
In a public statement, Biden expressed gratitude for the support he’s received and acknowledged the widespread impact of cancer. He and his wife, Jill, have been deeply affected by cancer, having lost his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015.
Biden has long been a vocal advocate in the fight against cancer. As vice president, he led the Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to drastically reduce the cancer death rate. As president, he relaunched this program, emphasizing the urgency of making progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Importance of Cancer Research Funding
Davies emphasized the crucial role of continued funding in cancer research. He expressed hope that funding for science institutions will remain robust, paving the way for future breakthroughs and better treatments for patients like Biden.
