Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed withan aggressive form ofprostate cancerthat has spread to his bones. Biden received the news on Friday after he saw a doctor last week for urinary symptoms. Here's what you need to know about prostate cancer and its treatment options. Prostate cancer affects tissue of the prostate gland, the part of the male reproductive system that helps make semen. It is located between the penis and the bladder. According to the NHS, it usually develops slowly, so it can often grow unnoticed for years. That means some people can live for decades without needing treatment. But it also means symptoms often don't appear until the cancer is already advanced. Biden was diagnosed following urinary symptoms, one of the most common signs of prostate cancer. That's because it is often detected only when the prostate is big enough to have impacted the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the penis. Those symptoms can include needing to urinate more frequently, as well as a slow or weak urinary stream. Screening for prostate cancer is part of routine presidential health inspections, according to Dr Jeffrey Kuhlman, former White House doctor under President Barack Obama. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, according to the American Cancer Society, behind lung cancer. There will be more than 300,000 new cases in the US this year, according to projections by the American Cancer Society. About one in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. While it is "not uncommon" for men in their 80s to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the grade and stage of Biden's cancer are "more advanced than most men would encounter" at diagnosis, Dr Ryan Cleary, urologist at MedStar Health, told the BBC. The former president's prostate cancer is "characterised by a Gleason score of 9", his office said in the statement announcing his diagnosis. The Gleason score is the most common way of grading how likely the disease will advance and spread - also known as metastatic cancer. Specifically, it refers to how abnormal the cancer cells look in a sample under a microscope. The scale runs from six to 10, with a higher number indicating a more aggressive cancer. The scale starts at six because it is calculated by combining the two most common patterns of cancer cells found in a patient. The lowest score assigned to cancerous cells is three. That's why the lowest Gleason score for a cancer diagnosis is six. A Gleason score of nine, such as Biden's, means it is a "high-grade cancer". Cancer cells with a score of nine look very abnormal and are likely to grow quickly. In Biden's case, the cancer is aggressive in nature and has already spread to his bones. According to Dr Jamin Vinod Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health Medical Group, this level of spread does limit the treatment options. While there are medical based treatments such as chemotherapy, steroids and hormone therapy available, none of them are "curative", he said. "There are more medical options to stabilise the patient and control the cancer, but it never gets rid of the cancer completely." Biden's cancer is also said to be hormone sensitive, which means the cancer uses hormones to grow or develop. These types of cancers can be managed by drugs that block or lower the amount of hormones in the body. Dr Brahmbhatt said while this "opens up the toolkit" of treatment options for Biden, it was going to take "weeks or months" to see how he responds. Dr Kuhlman said Biden could also have the option of entering "clinical trials for advanced disease" if he meets the inclusion criteria. Biden and his family are said to be reviewing treatment options. In Sunday's statement, Biden's office said since the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, that "allows for effective management". The full details of Biden's case is not known. Dr Cleary said: "Generally about a third of patients will still be alive after five years of metastatic prostate cancer." Advanced stages of prostate cancer can limit a person's lifespan and lead to symptoms that make daily life harder. Dr Kuhlman describes "10 to 15 years of function" when looking at aggressive cancer treatments and said it was important to consider treatments that maintain Biden's quality of life in the next few years. "If there's any inspiration in this, it is to go and get yourself checked out whether you have symptoms or not," Dr Brahmbhatt said.
What we know about Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Joe Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer"
Bbc News
8.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis came after Biden experienced urinary symptoms, which are common indicators of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer typically develops slowly, often remaining unnoticed for years, leading to advanced cases by the time symptoms manifest. The prostate gland, located between the bladder and penis, plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing semen. Symptoms such as frequent urination and a weak urinary stream often arise when the cancer has grown large enough to obstruct the urethra. Prostate cancer is notably the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among American men, with projections indicating over 300,000 new cases in the U.S. this year alone. While it is common for men in their 80s to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, Biden's cancer is classified as more advanced, characterized by a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade and aggressive form of the disease.
The Gleason score, which ranges from 6 to 10, assesses the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope. A score of 9 suggests that the cancer cells are likely to spread quickly. Treatment options for Biden are limited due to the cancer's spread, although there are medical treatments available, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, that can help manage the condition. The cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it relies on hormones for growth, which may allow for additional treatment avenues. Biden's medical team is exploring various options, including the possibility of participating in clinical trials for advanced cancer. While the prognosis for metastatic prostate cancer can be challenging, with studies indicating that about one-third of patients survive five years post-diagnosis, maintaining a quality life during treatment is a priority. Experts encourage individuals to seek medical evaluations for any symptoms they may experience, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis in managing prostate cancer effectively.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an update on former US President Joe Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis. This news is significant not only due to Biden's public profile but also because it raises concerns about health issues related to leadership and the impact of such diagnoses on political stability and public perception.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The intention behind this article appears to be twofold. Firstly, it aims to inform the public about Biden's health condition, which is particularly relevant for a sitting president or prominent political figure. Secondly, there may be an underlying goal to shape the narrative around Biden’s capability to lead, especially given the aggressive nature of the cancer and its implications for his health and presidency.
Public Perception and Implications
This news could create various perceptions within the public. Given that prostate cancer is a common but serious health issue, the awareness raised by this article could foster empathy towards Biden. Conversely, it may also lead to concerns about his ability to fulfill presidential duties, especially with cancer that has metastasized. These sentiments can influence public opinion and voter confidence.
Hidden Agendas or Omissions
While the article focuses on Biden’s health, it does not delve into the political ramifications or public responses from his administration. This could indicate a desire to keep the focus solely on the medical aspect without exploring how it may affect policies or political strategies.
Manipulative Elements
The article does present information in a factual manner, yet the framing of Biden's diagnosis could be perceived as manipulative, depending on the reader's viewpoint. The use of medical terminology and statistics may evoke a sense of urgency or concern, which can sway public opinion regarding Biden's effectiveness as a leader.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The information presented about prostate cancer, along with Biden's diagnosis, is derived from reputable sources such as the NHS and the American Cancer Society. Therefore, the article can be considered credible, but the implications drawn from this news may vary based on individual biases and perspectives.
Comparison with Other News
This article stands out in a media landscape that often scrutinizes political figures’ health, especially as elections approach. Comparatively, similar health-related news about public figures tends to raise discussions on their fitness for continued service.
Potential Societal and Economic Impact
The news could affect societal views on health, particularly regarding older leaders and their capacity to govern. Economically, it might influence markets that are sensitive to political stability, particularly if there are fears regarding a potential change in leadership.
Audience Engagement
The article likely appeals to a broad audience, including political followers, health advocates, and general readers interested in public figures' well-being. It serves to engage those who may be concerned about the implications of health issues on political leadership.
Market Reactions
While direct stock implications might be limited, industries related to healthcare or pharmaceuticals could see interest, particularly if Biden's health prompts discussions about healthcare reform or policies.
Global Context
This diagnosis could influence how the world perceives US leadership, particularly in relation to global health standards and the management of political figures’ health. Such news is always relevant, especially in times of global health crises.
In conclusion, while the article primarily focuses on Biden's health condition, the broader implications concerning public perception, political stability, and societal attitudes toward health in leadership roles cannot be overlooked.