An outpouring of concern and questions arose following Joe Biden's diagnosis of prostate cancer in an advanced stage that has metastasized to his bones.
Late last week, Biden learned of his diagnosis, according to a spokesperson.
Despite being unclear how long the cancer may have been growing, its rapid spread is attributed to its aggressive nature. His cancer was categorized as Grade Group 5, the most severe category, with a Gleason score of 9. Prostate cancer severity is measured by the Gleason score, an assessment based on microscopic analysis of cell samples.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished all the best to former US President Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. PM Modi posted on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), wishing President Biden and his family well in these trying times.
PM Modi tweeted, "Very concerned to hear about @JoeBiden's health. Sending our best wishes for his speedy and full recovery. Our thoughts are with Dr. Jill Biden and the family."
The tweet gained traction soon enough, with thousands of users expressing similar get-well wishes to the 82-year-old US president.
Biden’s Diagnosis and Health Update
It was confirmed by the White House's sources on the ensuing Sunday that a former American president has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had experienced some urinary symptoms, after which he chose to undergo a certain medical examination.
Physicians felt a nodule in his prostate, and subsequent tests led to the confirmation of cancer cells. It was also found that the cancer had metastasized into his bones, which is to say, it is quite serious.
Coming to the bright side, those behind the special diagnosis of former President Biden sounded upbeat. Hence, several generals are developing comprehensive procedures to treat him for this condition.
Rally with support from world leaders
PM Modi joins other world leaders in calling up former President Biden with words of recovery and strength. Such words of solidarity mark the strength of both the diplomatic and personal relationships world leaders enjoy.
These are instances that, in addition to bringing to their attention, show how health conditions easily transcend political barriers to invite sympathy and solidarity from everybody in the world.
Understanding Prostate Cancer: A Public Health Moment
As the world rallies around President Biden, his diagnosis brings renewed focus to a health issue that affects millions of men globally—particularly those over the age of 50. In fact, more than 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed globally each year.
To better understand this disease, here are some essential facts and recommendations:
How common is prostate cancer among men over 50?
Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men. About 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it becomes increasingly common after age 50. Approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime (American Cancer Society, 2024).
What symptoms should men watch for? Is it usually asymptomatic?
Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why screening is critical. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
Difficulty urinating
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
These can also result from benign conditions, so medical consultation is necessary (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
At what age should men begin screening, and what tests are used?
Health experts recommend beginning prostate cancer screening at age 50 for most men, age 45 for high-risk groups (e.g., African American men or those with a family history), and age 40 for those with multiple early-onset family cases.
Two main screening tools are:
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
These tests help detect potential issues early, even before symptoms emerge (USPSTF, 2018; AUA, 2023).
Early detection saves lives. Prostate cancer, when caught early, is highly treatable. Ignoring screening due to fear or discomfort could mean missing the window when treatment is most effective.
As clinicians work diligently on President Biden’s recovery, this moment also serves as a broader reminder: awareness, early action, and support are crucial in the fight against cancer—for world leaders and everyday citizens alike.
Reference:
American Cancer Society. (2024). Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Prostate Cancer - Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2018). Final Recommendation Statement: Prostate Cancer: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
American Urological Association. (2013, updated 2023). Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: AUA Guideline. Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). What Is Prostate Cancer Screening? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/screening.html
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)