Former President Joe Biden is currently facing a tough battle against an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, as revealed by his office on Sunday. The announcement stated that his condition is characterized by a “Gleason score of 9” along with metastasis to the bone. This troubling diagnosis comes after a routine physical exam last Tuesday discovered a small nodule in Biden’s prostate, prompting further evaluation, according to his spokesperson at the time.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the prostate, a small gland in men responsible for producing semen, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is the most prevalent cancer in men and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The NIH projects that over 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year, making up over 15% of all new cancer cases. Additionally, an estimated 35,770 deaths from prostate cancer are expected this year, accounting for 5.8% of all cancer-related deaths in the country.
The Gleason Score and Treatment Options
The Gleason grading system, also known as the Gleason score, assesses the likelihood of cancer advancement and spread but does not predict the outcome. It involves describing prostate cancer based on the abnormality level of cancer cells in a biopsy sample under a microscope and their potential growth and spread rate. Biden’s Gleason score of 9 signifies an aggressive form of cancer, with a high risk of metastasis and a challenging prognosis. While his official treatment plan is yet to be disclosed, potential options may include hormone therapy to reduce male hormone levels fueling cancer growth, along with regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to track disease activity and treatment effectiveness.
In light of Biden’s diagnosis, the American Cancer Society emphasized the importance of early detection in combating prostate cancer, expressing concerns over the rise in advanced-stage diagnoses. The organization stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid late-stage diagnosis and mortality from the disease. Resources such as the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 cancer helpline (1-800-227-2345) and website, cancer.org, are available for further assistance and information on prostate cancer.
