8 hours ago
Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 07:25 IST
Research carried out by the American Cancer Society revealed that one in eight men in the US are diagnosed with the disease of prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Former US President Joe Biden | AP Image
Former United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to an official statement.
The press statement released by the Democrat’s office confirmed that Biden was diagnosed with the disease after he experienced urinary symptoms, and a prostate nodule was found.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement read.
Former President Biden, 82, lost his son Beau to cancer in 2015.
Biden’s own diagnosis revealed a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to the statement.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a disease that happens when cells in the prostate — a small gland in men that helps make semen — start to grow out of control.
The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but some can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer that appears very abnormal is given the highest grade, Grade 5. A Gleason score can go up to 10, showing how serious Biden’s condition is.
While most prostate cancers grow slowly, some may be classified as aggressive prostate cancers based on stage and grade.
It’s the most common cancer among men.
Symptoms & Treatments
Prostate cancer — including aggressive forms — often shows no symptoms in its early stages, but as it advances, it may cause signs such as weak or frequent urination, blood in the urine, hip or back pain, fatigue, and dizziness.
Depending on how early the cancer is caught and how aggressive it is, treatments may include:
Active check-ups: Regular check-ups and tests to monitor slow-growing cancer that may not need immediate treatment.Surgery: Removal of the prostate gland (called a prostatectomy), often used when the cancer hasn’t spread.Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours.Hormone Therapy: Medications that lower or block testosterone, which helps prostate cancer grow.Chemotherapy: Drugs used to kill cancer cells, usually for more advanced cases.Targeted Therapy: Drugs that attack specific changes in cancer cells without harming normal cells.Immunotherapy: Treatments that help the body’s immune system recognise and fight cancer.Focal Therapies: Newer, less invasive treatments like cryotherapy (freezing cancer cells) or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).Research carried out by the American Cancer Society revealed that one in eight men in the US are diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.
Although it is highly treatable when caught early, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men.
Location :United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world Biden Diagnosed With 'Aggressive' Prostate Cancer: All About The Disease, Available Treatments
