Former President Joe Biden is facing a serious health challenge, as his office disclosed on Sunday that the 82-year-old is diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The announcement highlighted a high Gleason score of 9 and indicated the presence of bone metastasis.
A routine physical examination conducted on Tuesday has led to a diagnosis, revealing a small nodule in President Biden’s prostate. Subsequent medical assessments have verified the diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer. Medical professionals have reported that the cancer has advanced beyond the prostate and has now affected the bones, indicating a late-stage progression of the disease.
President Biden has a documented health history that features several previous instances of cancer. In February 2023, President Biden underwent a procedure to remove a cancerous lesion from his chest. Before assuming office, he underwent Mohs surgery for the removal of multiple non-melanoma skin cancers, as reported by his former White House physician.
Prostate cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men in the United States, as reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In men, the disease ranks as the second leading cause of death related to cancer. In a striking report, the NIH has projected that this year will see more than 313,000 new cases of prostate cancer, alongside an estimated 35,770 deaths linked to the disease.
The Gleason score, a critical metric in oncology, ranges from 6 to 10 and assesses prostate cancer's severity and aggressiveness. A score of 9 signifies a highly aggressive and rapidly advancing variant of the disease, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Although specific treatment details remain undisclosed, standard approaches for advanced prostate cancer generally encompass hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, and, in certain instances, targeted therapies. Biden's office has yet to unveil a treatment plan, but officials have indicated that updates will be shared as necessary.
The recent diagnosis of the former president has generated significant public support, prompting political figures and healthcare professionals to emphasize the importance of men's health and the necessity of regular cancer screenings.
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