All you need to know about: prostate cancer Premium

Former US President Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer, a common cancer in men, with various treatment options available.

Former United States president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer last week, with his office announcing that it was an ‘aggressive’ form of the disease, as cancer cells had spread to the bone. His office however, also said that the cancer appeared to be hormone-sensitive which “allows for effective management” and that the president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.” Many political leaders, including current U.S. President Donal Trump sent Mr. Biden wishes for his recovery.

Prostate cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut but tends to grows with age. It is located just below the bladder, in front of the rectum. The main job of the prostate gland is to produce a fluid that becomes part of the semen.

Prostate cancer is a common cancer: according to ‘The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases’, 2024, prostate cancer is the most common cancer by incidence in men in 112 countries (as of 2020), and accounts for one in every 14 cancers diagnosed globally, and 15% of all male cancers. Among men, the disease ranks second only to lung cancer in terms of cancer mortality. In the United States, it is second only to skin cancer among men, while in India, it is third-most common cancer among men as of 2022.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include: age -- as men grow older, their risk of getting prostate cancer increases; family history -- men who have had a close family member with prostate cancer have an increased chance of getting it; obesity -- studies have linked being overweight to having a greater chance of getting prostate cancer. Other risk factors include ethnicity as African American men are at greater risk.

In the early stages, prostate cancer may not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: a frequent need to urinate, trouble passing urine or a weak flow or pain and burning while urinating, blood in the urine (making it look pink or red), blood in the semen, pain in the lower back, hips or thighs and painful ejaculation.

Severity of symptoms may depend on where the cancer is located and how advanced it is. Changes in urinary functions could also be symptoms of a common condition, an enlarged prostate -- it is important to consult a doctor for the right diagnosis.

Healthcare providers may use a scale known as the Gleason score to determine how serious the cancer is. Under the Gleason score, the more abnormal cells you have, the higher your score. These scores range from 2 to 10. A score of below of 5 is not considered cancer. Scores from 6 to 10 are considered cancer -- with 6 being a slow-growing cancer and 10 being a fast-growing cancer.