Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, according to reports, following a routine medical examination that identified a “small nodule” on his prostate.
The condition, one of the most common cancers among men, results in around 310,000 new cases and 35,000 deaths in the US each year.
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, a key part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing seminal fluid. The gland encircles the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
Medical professionals generally advise men at average risk to begin screening for prostate cancer around the age of 55. Those with a family history may need to begin earlier.
Routine screening involves a digital rectal exam and a test measuring the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. However, experts often discourage screening men over 70 due to the risks associated with overdiagnosis.
Biden, 82, had reportedly been experiencing increased urinary symptoms. Medical experts note this as one of the key indicators of prostate cancer, alongside several other signs the public is being urged to be aware of.
1. Urinary Changes
Early-stage prostate cancer may be symptomless. As the tumour grows or spreads, it can block the urethra or enlarge the prostate, leading to urinary difficulties such as a weak stream, frequent urges, or problems starting and stopping urination.
An enlarged prostate may also prevent the bladder from emptying fully, contributing to more frequent urination.
2. Pain and Discomfort
Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation can occur due to obstruction in the urethra. If the cancer spreads to bones, as in Biden’s case, it can lead to chronic aches or stabbing pain. Discomfort when sitting for extended periods may also result from prostate enlargement.
3. Erectile Dysfunction
In later stages, the tumour can affect nerves and blood vessels crucial for erectile function. Erectile dysfunction is also a common side effect following surgery for prostate cancer, due to potential nerve damage.
4. Blood in Semen
Irritation caused by a tumour may result in blood appearing in the urine or semen – a sign that should prompt immediate medical attention.
Gleason Score Explained
Biden’s cancer has been assigned a Gleason score of 9 – one of the highest levels of severity. The score is calculated based on the two most common patterns of cancer cells found in a biopsy, each rated from 3 to 5 depending on cell disorganisation.
A combined score of 9 indicates a predominance of highly abnormal and aggressive cancer cells, typically requiring urgent and multi-faceted treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment strategies depend on the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
For early-stage cases, doctors may recommend active surveillance. When treatment is required, common methods include surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy aimed at lowering testosterone levels that fuel the cancer.
For advanced cases like Biden’s, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be necessary. In many instances, a combination of therapies is used to manage the disease effectively while reducing side effects.
