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Prostate cancer

Former US President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Despite the advanced stage of the disease, medical specialists believe that treatments available can significantly improve his life expectancy. Research shows that androgen receptor-targeted agents (ARTAs) can improve five-year survival rates by 40%, increasing the chances of living a normal life expectancy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
  • Specialists expect Biden to receive androgen receptor-targeted agents (ARTAs) treatment, which can improve five-year survival rates by 40%.
  • Advanced prostate cancer is incurable, but with modern treatments, men can live for many years.
  • Prostate Cancer UK reports that 50,751 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England in 2022, increasing to 55,033 in 2023.
  • The charity notes that around one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer, and the risk is doubled to one in four for Black men.
  • It is estimated that 510,000 men are living with or after prostate cancer in the UK, where more than 12,000 men die from the disease every year.
  • Early diagnosis is key in saving lives, but over 21,000 men are currently diagnosed at stage three and four every year.
  • Men with urinary problems may be experiencing a benign issue, rather than prostate cancer, and should always consult their GP.
  • Prostate cancer with symptoms may include back, hip, or pelvic pain, problems getting or keeping an erection, blood in the urine or semen, and/or unexplained weight loss.
  • A PSA blood test is a specific and effective way to detect prostate cancer, which can be identified through a digital rectal examination (DRE).

Statistics:

  • 50,751 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England in 2022.
  • 55,033 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England in 2023.
  • Prostate cancer cases shot up by 25% between 2019 and 2023.
  • Around one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer.
  • The risk of prostate cancer is doubled to one in four for Black men.
  • 510,000 men are living with or after prostate cancer in the UK.
  • Over 21,000 men are diagnosed at stage three and four every year.
  • Joe Biden's Gleason score was nine, indicating an aggressive form of the disease.

Sources:

  • PA Archive
  • HCA UK
  • Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK)

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