**Prostate Cancer in the Spotlight Following Joe Biden’s Diagnosis: What You Need to Know**
The recent announcement that former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer has brought renewed focus to a condition that affects thousands of men across the globe. Mr Biden, 82, was seen by physicians last week after presenting with urinary difficulties and a nodule on his prostate. His medical team confirmed on Friday that he had prostate cancer, with evidence that the malignancy had already metastasised to his bones.
Prostate cancer is among the most common types of cancer affecting men, yet understanding of its causes remains limited. The prostate itself is a walnut-sized gland located between the penis and the bladder, encircling the urethra. This organ is central to male reproductive function, as it produces seminal fluid that, when combined with sperm, forms semen.
While the exact cause of prostate cancer is still unclear, several factors have been identified that may increase a man’s risk. Age is predominant, with the likelihood of developing the disease rising significantly after 50. Additionally, men of African-Caribbean descent face a heightened risk, while those of Asian backgrounds appear less susceptible for reasons still not fully understood by medical professionals. Family history plays a part too; individuals whose close relatives have had prostate cancer are at somewhat greater risk. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that obesity may play a role in increasing susceptibility.
Symptoms of prostate cancer commonly do not manifest until the disease has grown enough to press against the urine-carrying tube (the urethra). When this happens, men may experience a more frequent urge to urinate, strain whilst passing urine, or feel as though their bladder hasn’t completely emptied. Other signs flagged by experts include a weak urine stream, difficulty initiating urination, dribbling afterwards, and, in some cases, sudden urges resulting in occasional leakage before reaching the toilet. It’s crucial to acknowledge, however, that such symptoms are not exclusive to prostate cancer and may be caused by benign prostate enlargement or other non-cancerous conditions.
There is currently no single definitive test for diagnosing prostate cancer. The primary tools used by health professionals include blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a digital rectal examination (DRE) to physically assess the prostate, MRI scans, and biopsies to analyse prostate tissue. The PSA test, available via a GP for men over 50, measures a protein produced by both normal and malignant prostate cells, but its reliability remains a topic of discussion in the medical community, as elevated PSA can result from conditions other than cancer.
Upon diagnosis, prostate cancer treatment varies widely depending on its stage and the patient’s overall health. Early-stage cancer that is not producing symptoms may be monitored with approaches dubbed “watchful waiting” or “active surveillance,” with careful observation rather than immediate intervention. Where active treatment is necessary, options include surgical removal of the prostate and radiotherapy—sometimes combined with hormone therapy. More advanced cases, such as when cancer has spread to other parts of the body, focus on extending life expectancy and managing related symptoms.
All prostate cancer treatments may carry significant side effects, which can include erectile dysfunction and changes in urinary habits, such as increased urgency or frequency. Because of these potential impacts, many men and their clinicians weigh the risks of immediate intervention against delayed treatment until the threat of cancer progression increases. Recent innovations—such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy—aim to mitigate some of these side effects, although their long-term effectiveness is still under review.
Living with prostate cancer can be challenging, not only due to the potential physical complications but also the emotional toll a diagnosis can have. Many men live for decades with slow-growing prostate cancer without ever requiring treatment. Nonetheless, anxiety and depression are common following a diagnosis, underlining the importance of support from family, healthcare professionals, and dedicated support groups. Financial assistance may also be available, especially if the condition affects one’s ability to work.
As prostate cancer continues to touch countless lives, the public awareness generated by high-profile figures such as Joe Biden serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, seeking advice when symptoms arise, and the ongoing advancements in diagnosis and treatment.