Former President Joe Biden’s office announced on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and is currently exploring treatment options with his healthcare team. This diagnosis follows an increase in urinary symptoms that led to a doctor’s visit last week, resulting in the discovery of a prostate nodule.
On Friday, it was revealed that Biden’s cancer has metastasised, spreading to his bones, which his office confirmed. While prostate cancer is highly survivable when detected early, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
The prostate gland, which plays a role in the male reproductive system by producing fluid for semen, is situated below the bladder, encircling the urethra. Biden’s cancer is classified as serious due to its spread, a stark contrast to early-stage or localised forms of the disease. Medical experts, such as Dr. Matthew Smith from Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center, note that while metastatic prostate cancer is not curable, advancements in treatment have allowed patients to live for four to five years after diagnosis.
There are various treatment strategies for prostate cancer, including the use of medications that lower hormonal levels in the body or impede the hormone’s entry into cancer cells, thereby slowing tumour growth. For patients in Biden’s position, doctors typically recommend these drug therapies over surgical or radiation treatments.
Prostate cancer is also assessed for its aggressiveness using the Gleason score, which ranges from 6 to 10. A score of 9, as indicated in Biden’s case, signifies a particularly aggressive form of the disease. As Biden navigates this challenging diagnosis, the focus remains on finding the most effective treatment plan.