A spokesperson for former US President Joe Biden announced on Saturday that he is undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in May. The spokesperson explained that this treatment, along with hormone therapy, is part of his ongoing care plan. NBC first reported the news.
According to the spokesperson, the radiation therapy is expected to last five weeks, representing a new phase in Biden’s treatment. He had previously been taking hormone medication in pill form, as he mentioned publicly when asked about his health in the spring.
In May, Biden’s office revealed he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. After leaving the White House in January following Donald Trump’s election victory, Biden returned to his home in Delaware. He will turn 83 next month.
Biden first discussed his diagnosis publicly later in May, expressing optimism about his prognosis and his expectation to overcome the disease. In September, he also had Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin cells.
This report includes information from Reuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about President Biden undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer designed with clear natural questions and direct simple answers
Basic Information Definitions
Q Did President Biden actually get diagnosed with cancer
A No not recently This treatment was for a basal cell carcinoma a very common and highly treatable type of skin cancer found on his chest It is not prostate cancer
Q What is basal cell carcinoma
A Its the most common form of skin cancer It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body Its very treatable especially when caught early
Q What kind of treatment did he have
A He underwent a procedure called Mohs surgery to remove the cancerous skin cells followed by a session of radiation therapy to ensure all remaining cells were eliminated
Q What is radiation therapy
A Its a medical treatment that uses highenergy rays to target and destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing
Q Is the President okay now
A Yes His doctors have stated that the treatment was successful all cancerous tissue was removed and he requires no further treatment They expect a full recovery
The Procedure Recovery
Q Why did he need radiation after surgery
A Radiation is sometimes used after surgery as a belt and suspenders approach It helps ensure that any microscopic cancer cells that might have been left behind are destroyed lowering the chance of the cancer coming back
Q Was he put to sleep for the procedure
A No radiation therapy is typically a painless and noninvasive outpatient procedure The patient is awake and it usually only takes a few minutes
Q What is the recovery like from this kind of treatment
A Recovery is generally quick The main side effect for skin cancer radiation is localized skin irritation like redness or peeling similar to a sunburn which heals over a few weeks
Q Did this treatment affect his ability to work as President
A No The White House stated that he worked during his appointment and the treatment did not require anesthesia or disrupt his schedule
Broader Context Implications
Q How common is this type of cancer
A Extremely common Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 80 of all
