Former US President Joe Biden begins radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer

Biden underging radiation therapy for 'aggressive' prostate cancer, says spokesperson

Former President Joe Biden has begun radiation therapy for the aggressive form of prostate cancer he was diagnosed with in May, a spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY.

During a routine exam, doctors detected a “small nodule” on the 82-year-old Democrat’s prostate that had spread to his bones.

“As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” the spokesperson told USA TODAY on October 11.

Biden has already been taking hormone medication in pill form, and the radiation therapy is expected to continue for five weeks, marking a new stage in his treatment.

Last month, Biden also underwent Mohs surgery for skin cancer, with a large bandage visible on his forehead during subsequent public appearances.

At the time of his prostate cancer diagnosis in May, his office stated: “He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.”

A Gleason score of nine indicates “high-grade” cancer, meaning the cells could spread rapidly, according to Cancer Research UK.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S., affecting about one in eight men. While approximately one in 44 men will die from the disease, most diagnosed cases are not fatal, according to the American Cancer Society.

Biden, who left office in January as the oldest U.S. president in history, had his health closely monitored during his first term, which contributed to his decision not to run for re-election. His former vice president, Kamala Harris, ran as the Democratic nominee but lost to President Donald Trump.

The former president, who will turn 83 next month, is continuing treatment under careful medical supervision.

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