FORMER US PRESIDENT Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In a statement released this morning by his office, the cancer was described as “aggressive”, with the statement revealing that it has metastasised to the bone.
Last week, Biden reported to doctors after experiencing unusual urinary symptoms. It was then that a cancerous prostate nodule was found, and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer a short time later.
Prostate cancers receive an aggressiveness grade ranging from six to ten, on a scale known as the Gleason Score. The higher the score, the more aggressive the cancer. Biden’s statement revealed that his score was nine, suggesting that his cancer is highly aggressive. Metastasised cancer is also more difficult to treat, because it can be hard for the treatment to reach all afflicted areas and completely eradicate the disease.
There is room for optimism, however. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement read. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.” When prostate cancers need hormones to grow, they can be more susceptible to treatment that deprives the cancerous cells of the hormones they need to survive.
In a post on the TruthSocial platform, incumbent President Donald Trump said he and his wife Melania were saddened by the news. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” he said.
Biden’s diagnosis is a stark reminder that cancer can happen to anyone. It’s important to know the early warning signs, who’s at risk, and how often you should get tested. You’ll find all the information you need here.
What are the first warning signs of prostate cancer?
Early symptoms of prostate cancer can include pain during urination, sudden erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, blood in urine or semen and difficulty stopping or starting urination. Although, there are often no symptoms at all, which is why it’s so important to get regularly tested.
What puts you at risk of developing prostate cancer?
Age, family history and genetics are widely considered to be the biggest risk indicators for developing prostate cancer. While none of these are preventable, there are also some lifestyle factors that will put you at greater risk.
Doctors generally agree that diet is a contributing factor to prostate cancer. Men who consume large amounts of fat, particularly from red meat, are more at risk of developing the disease as excessive consumption of fats increases testosterone production, which can stimulate dormant cancer cells and accelerate the growth of prostate cancer. Like with most cancers and diseases, alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity will also put you at greater risk.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting Australian men, but it can be cured when detected early. Ninety-six per cent of cases that are detected early result in survival, as cancerous cells are more likely to respond to treatment early on. Although, Biden’s cancer has already metastasised to bone, which is a sign that it is already in an advanced stage.
How is prostate cancer detected?
The two most common tests to detect prostate cancer are the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal examination. It is generally recommended that you don’t get tested unless you are experiencing symptoms, or if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
Related:
Shannon Sharpe opens up about prostate cancer recovery and the importance of early detection
Life reimagined: how I embraced new beginnings after prostate cancer
