Understanding Prostate Cancer — Lessons from President Biden's Diagnosis
You Don't Die from Prostate Cancer - is it true?
Recent news about former US President Joe Biden's health has brought prostate cancer into the spotlight. At 82, Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9, and the disease has metastasized to his bones. This development underscores the importance of understanding prostate cancer's risks, progression, and the misconceptions that often surround it.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland, a small organ in men responsible for producing seminal fluid. It's one of the most common cancers among men worldwide. Globally, approximately 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. While many cases are slow-growing and may not pose immediate threats, others can be aggressive and life-threatening.
Decoding the Gleason Score
The Gleason scoring system assesses the aggressiveness of prostate cancer by examining prostate tissue samples under a microscope. Scores range from 6 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more aggressive cancers. In general, men diagnosed with prostate cancer score 7 or less on the Gleason scoring system.
A Gleason score of 9, as in President Biden's case, signifies a high-grade, rapidly growing cancer with a greater potential to spread.
The Misconception: "You Don't Die from Prostate Cancer"
A common belief is that prostate cancer is a benign disease that men die with, not from. While it's true that some prostate cancers are indolent, this isn't universally applicable.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the US. Aggressive forms, especially those diagnosed at advanced stages, can be fatal.
Symptoms and Early Detection
Early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Regular screening is crucial, particularly for men over 50 or those with a family history of the disease. Screening methods include the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cancer's stage and aggressiveness. Your doctor will go through the options with you and this may include:
Active Surveillance: Monitoring low-risk cancers without immediate treatment.
Surgery: Removing the prostate gland (prostatectomy).
Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: Reducing testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells.
In President Biden's case, the report is that the cancer's hormone sensitivity offers potential for effective management through hormone therapy, despite the advanced stage.
Hormone-sensitive cancer (also called hormone-dependent or hormone-responsive) refers to a cancer that relies on certain hormones to grow and survive.
In the case of prostate cancer, the key hormone is testosterone — a male sex hormone (or androgen) that fuels the growth of prostate cells, both healthy and cancerous.
In Simple Terms:
A hormone-sensitive prostate cancer is one where the tumour cells need testosterone to grow.
If you lower or block testosterone, the cancer slows down — or even shrinks.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Men are encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers, especially if they have risk factors such as age, family history, or African ancestry. Regular check-ups can lead to early diagnosis, when the cancer is most treatable.
Prostate cancer is a serious disease that requires attention and understanding. While some forms are slow-growing, others can be aggressive and life-threatening. President Biden's diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screening and not underestimating the disease's potential severity. Early detection and informed decision-making are key to effective management and improved outcomes.
Stay informed and proactive about your health. If you have concerns or risk factors related to prostate cancer, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and screening options.
Ty for sharing this information, I’m most grateful.