Former US President Joe Biden Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Former US President Joe Biden Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Why in News? 

Joe Biden, the former U.S. President, has now been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This news has been officially released by his office.

• Joe Biden, the former President of the United States, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 82, which has now spread to his bones.
• Back in January 2023, Biden also underwent surgery to remove a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma.

Introduction to Former US President Joe Biden Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

• Early Life:
  • He was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
  • In childhood, he had a stuttering problem, which he overcame by practicing poetry regularly.
  • He completed high school in 1961 and later earned a law degree from Syracuse University.
  • In 1966, he married Neilia Hunter.
• Personal Life:
  • In 1972, a road accident took the lives of his first wife and daughter, which deeply affected him.
  • Later, he married his second wife, Jill Tracy Jacobs.
  • His elder son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, which was another painful time for Biden.
• Political Career:
  • Biden’s political journey began in 1970 when he was elected to the New Castle County Council.
  • In 1972, at just 29 years old, Biden became the youngest US Senator after winning from Delaware.
  • His political journey saw many ups and downs, but he continued serving.
• Service in the Senate:
  • Biden served six terms as Senator from Delaware, totaling 36 years.
  • During this time, he chaired important committees and contributed to national and international policies.
  • He played a role in creating laws on environment, economy, and foreign policy.
• Vice Presidency:
  • In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his Vice Presidential candidate.
  • As Vice President, he actively contributed to US policies, especially in economic reforms and foreign affairs.
  • He held the position until 2016, being a close ally of President Obama.
• Presidential Election:
  • In 2019, Biden contested the 2020 Presidential Election as the Democratic candidate.
  • He later made history by defeating Donald Trump to become the 46th U.S. President.
  • His campaign focused on national unity, middle-class upliftment, and social justice.
• Achievements:
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, he implemented the American Rescue Plan Act, helping in economic recovery.
  • For environmental protection, he rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement.
  • He also announced the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, marking a key moment in his presidency.
  • Due to growing concerns about his age and health, he decided not to contest the 2024 elections.
    • Following this, Vice President Kamala Harris was nominated as the Democratic Party’s candidate.

Information Related to Prostate Cancer

• What is Prostate?
  • The prostate is an important gland found only in men.
  • The prostate gland is found beneath the bladder, in front of the rectum.
  • Its main function is to produce seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm.
  • It also surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen, making it vital for bodily functions.
  • In young men, it is walnut-sized, but its size increases with age.
• What is Prostate Cancer?
  • Prostate cancer starts when the cells in the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably.
  • It results from cellular changes within the gland, which may grow slowly or rapidly.
  • Most prostate cancers are of the adenocarcinoma type, arising from gland cells that produce seminal fluid.
• Other Types of Prostate Cancer:
  • Other rare types of prostate cancer include:

• Small cell carcinoma
• Neuroendocrine tumors

• These are less common and differ in nature and treatment from adenocarcinoma.

• Precancerous Conditions:
  • Research shows that precancerous conditions may appear before actual prostate cancer.
  • In these, cells appear abnormal but do not behave like cancer.
  • An example is Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN), where cells are irregular but not yet cancerous.
  • PIN is divided into low-grade and high-grade types.
  • High-grade PIN may increase the risk of prostate cancer, though not always.
• Spread of Prostate Cancer:
  • Prostate cancer can spread beyond the gland to other organs like the bladder, liver, lungs, and abdomen.
  • Cancer cells may enter the bloodstream and reach the bones, causing pain and weakness.
  • Such spread is called metastasis, indicating a severe stage of the disease.
• Effect on Health:
  • This disease can affect male sexual ability, causing problems like erectile dysfunction.
  • Hormone therapy used in treatment reduces testosterone levels, affecting fertility.
• Prevention of Prostate Cancer:
  • Regular health checkups are vital for prevention.
  • Early symptoms like urination issues, frequent urination, or bleeding should be reported to doctors.
  • A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular exercise help reduce the risk.
  • Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and hormone-based therapies.

Status and Analysis of Prostate Cancer in India

• According to the Lancet Commission Report, the number of prostate cancer patients is rising rapidly in India. 
  • This rise is not just in numbers but also in the number of cases diagnosed at advanced stages of cancer.
• In India, most prostate cancer cases are detected when the disease has already reached its advanced stages (Stage III and IV).
• Nearly 85 percent of patients in India are diagnosed at this late stage, while in developed countries like the USA, this number is only 15 percent. Due to late diagnosis, the death rate is also higher.
• The mortality rate due to prostate cancer in India has reached almost 65 percent. This figure is worrying.
• Globally, the number of prostate cancer cases is expected to double by the year 2040.
  • This rise will mostly affect low and middle-income countries, including India.
• In India, it is estimated that around 71,000 new cases of prostate cancer are reported every year, which is a big challenge for the country’s healthcare system.
• There is also a sharp rise in cases among men under 50 years of age in India.
• Cities like Delhi and Mumbai have reported more cases.
• As per WHO data, nearly 37,948 men in India were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022.
• This made up about three percent of the 14 lakh new cancer cases in the country.
• The incidence rate of prostate cancer in India is 6.8 per 100,000 men.
  • This means that one out of every 125 men in India may face this disease.

Government Initiatives for Prostate Cancer Awareness in India

• Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR): In India, PBCRs are run to collect accurate data on cancer cases. The data helps in identifying the spread of prostate cancer, high-risk areas, and affected groups. This helps policymakers design effective health strategies.
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (PCAW): Every year in November, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed across India. During this month, the public is educated about the symptoms, risks, and importance of early screening. Hospitals, health centers, and government bodies organize health camps, seminars, and outreach programs to encourage people to take preventive steps.

Role of Health Ministry and ICMR: The Ministry of Health and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are promoting research related to prostate cancer. They are working on developing new techniques and treatment methods, and improving healthcare access in rural and remote areas.