Understanding Prostate Cancer Amid Joe Biden's Diagnosis

Prostate cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Former President Joe Biden is currently facing a formidable opponent, as he battles an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. This diagnosis, revealed by his office on Sunday, presents a “Gleason score of 9,” indicating a critical level of severity with bone metastasis.

Biden’s medical journey took this turn following the detection of a small nodule in his prostate during a “routine physical exam” last Tuesday. This incidental finding triggered the need for further investigation, as per his spokesperson.

Back in February 2023, while Biden was the 82-year-old sitting president, a cancerous lesion was excised from his chest. The former White House physician confirmed this procedure. Prior to his presidency, Biden had undergone Mohs surgery to remove several non-melanoma skin cancers.

As the public digests this news, ABC News delves into what Biden’s medical status entails and examines potential treatment avenues.

Understanding Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer originates in the cells of the prostate, a vital gland responsible for producing seminal fluid in men, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is the most prevalent cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in men in the U.S. The NIH estimates about 313,780 new cases in the current year, accounting for over 15% of all new cancer diagnoses. Tragically, around 35,770 fatalities will arise from prostate cancer this year, representing 5.8% of all cancer deaths.

Despite its severity, the five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer—the likelihood of surviving five years post-diagnosis—is around 98%. Often, prostate cancer progresses slowly, and early detection might not significantly alter someone’s health or longevity. However, treatment possibilities are generally effective, even for metastasized cases.

Approximately 12.9% of men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, as cited by the NIH. As of 2022, about 3.5 million men in the U.S. were living with this condition. The median age for diagnosis stands at 68 years, while most prostate cancer-related deaths occur around age 79.

Deciphering the Gleason Score: The Gleason grading system provides insights into the cancer’s propensity to progress and metastasize, though it doesn’t directly predict outcomes. It assesses abnormality in cancer cells from biopsy samples under a microscope and forecasts their potential growth and spread. The Gleason score combines the grades of the most common cancerous areas, as explained by the NIH, and ranges from 6 to 10. Biden’s score of 9 reflects an aggressive cancer type with a high risk of spreading, landing it in Grade Group 5, the highest risk bracket.

Exploring Treatment Options: Although Biden’s official treatment plan hasn’t been disclosed, potential interventions could include hormone therapy, known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which minimizes male hormone levels that encourage prostate cancer growth. This treatment can slow cancer progression and alleviate symptoms, even if the cancer has spread to the bones. Regular assessments of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are vital to detecting cancer activity and gauging treatment efficacy. Given the cancer’s spread beyond the prostate, surgery is generally not viable. In response to Biden’s diagnosis, the American Cancer Society emphasized the “tragic impact of prostate cancer in the U.S.” and highlighted the importance of early detection amid a 5% annual rise in cases of advanced prostate cancer. They call for proactive measures to reduce late-stage diagnoses and mortality. Further assistance is available through the American Cancer Society’s helpline (1-800-227-2345) and their website, .