Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Former US president Joe Biden's office has revealed his diagnosis of an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

The 82-year-old received the diagnosis on Friday, May 16, following a doctor’s visit for urinary symptoms.

Prostate cancer is among the most common types of cancer among men. It affects the tissue of the prostate gland — a part of the male reproductive system.

While the disease often progresses slowly and can go unnoticed for years, Biden’s diagnosis is classified as advanced and hormone-sensitive, meaning the cancer relies on hormones to grow and spread.

Biden’s cancer was described as “high-grade” with a Gleason score of 9.

This is the highest severity short of a perfect 10 on the grading scale used to assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

As per the Urology Care Foundation, the Gleason scoring system ranges from 6 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more abnormal and faster-growing cancer cells.

A score of 9 suggests that the cancer is likely to grow rapidly and spread extensively, as already evidenced by its movement into Biden’s bones.

Urinary symptoms are one of the most common early signs of prostate cancer. They typically arise once the enlarged prostate begins to press against the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

These symptoms may include frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a weak or burning urine stream, ejaculatory pain, and blood in the urine.

In more advanced stages, as in Biden’s case, symptoms may also include bone pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, pelvic discomfort, and pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs.

Since Biden’s cancer is hormone-sensitive, doctors have access to a broader set of treatment options, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and steroids to help slow the disease’s progression.

However, speaking to the BBC, Dr Jamin Vinod Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health Medical Group, commenting on the diagnosis, said these treatments are not considered curative.

“There are more medical options to stabilise the patient and control the cancer, but it never gets rid of the cancer completely,” he said.

Though exact details about Biden’s case remain private, his office said the cancer’s hormone sensitivity “allows for effective management.”

Hormone-sensitive cancers like Biden’s may respond to medications that lower or block hormones responsible for stimulating cancer growth.

According to cancer specialists, about one-third of patients with metastatic prostate cancer live beyond five years, though the quality of life and treatment response vary from patient to patient.

Patients with advanced cancer may qualify for clinical trials testing new treatments.

Dr Jeffrey Kuhlman, former White House doctor under former president Barack Obama, noted that Biden could be eligible if he meets the criteria.

Kuhlman emphasised the importance of maintaining Biden’s functionality and comfort in the coming years.

“With aggressive treatments, we often look at 10 to 15 years of functionality, but it’s critical to consider the patient’s quality of life," he added.

Health experts are urging the public, especially men over 50, to undergo regular prostate screenings, as early detection, even without symptoms, is crucial.

“If there’s any inspiration in this, it is to go and get yourself checked out whether you have symptoms or not,” he said.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, while prostate cancer cannot be entirely prevented, the risk may be reduced by:

Biden and his family are said to be reviewing his treatment options closely, with a focus on managing the disease and preserving his quality of life.

Meanwhile, former US vice president Kamala Harris shared a message of support and hope on Instagram following Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis.

Alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, Harris extended their condolences and expressed solidarity with the Biden family, noting their thoughts and prayers are with them.

She praised Biden's enduring strength, resilience, and optimism, stating that these qualities would help him face the health challenge.

Harris also conveyed confidence in his ability to recover, emphasising hope for a full and speedy healing process.

Source: TUKO.co.ke