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Economic Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer: Five myths debunked after former US President's 'aggressive' diagnosis
Reuters The 82-year-old leader's son, Beau Biden, also died of cancer in 2015 Former US President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that has a five-year survival rate of between 30% and 40%. The prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, the Democrat's office announced on press statement said the Democratic leader was diagnosed with the disease after he experienced urinary symptoms, and a prostate nodule was found. Now, the Biden family is reviewing options for possible treatment plans."While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement said. The 82-year-old leader's son, Beau Biden, also died of cancer in 2015. According to the statement, Biden's cancer was found to have "a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)." ALSO READ: Trump's 'one big, beautiful bill' offers $1k for newborns, immigration and tax cuts: 10-point explainer "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management." The American Cancer Society suggests that around one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Given the rising awareness around prostate cancer, it's crucial to address widespread misconceptions. David James, Director of Patient Projects and Influencing at Prostate Cancer Research, spoke with Surrey Live to clarify five persistent myths about the 1: Only older men get prostate cancerWhile it's true that prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, it can occur at any age. "Many believe it's a disease exclusive to older men, but that's simply not the case," David explained. Although age is a known risk factor, other elements—such as ethnicity and family history—also significantly influence risk. According to NHS guidance, Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than Asian men. Additional risks include obesity, dietary factors, and high calcium intake, reports The Mirror. Myth 2: There are always clear symptoms Symptoms like difficulty urinating or blood in the urine may be linked to prostate cancer, but early stages are often symptomless. "Symptoms typically emerge only when the cancer has grown large enough to affect surrounding tissue or spread," said David. Early detection can be challenging, making regular screening especially important for high-risk groups, the report mentioned. ALSO READ: FBI chief Kash Patel, accused of spending more time at nightclubs than office, makes big announcement Myth 3: Prostate cancer is always slow-growing Not all prostate cancers develop slowly. The disease's severity is measured using the Gleason score, which ranges from 2 to 10. A higher score indicates a more aggressive cancer. "While many cases are slow-growing, some can be very aggressive—particularly in younger men or those with a family history," David noted. For these patients, early diagnosis is critical for improving survival outcomes. Myth 4: Immediate treatment is always necessary Treatment approaches vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. In some early-stage cases, active monitoring—known as 'active surveillance'—may be the best course of action. "Prostate cancer often progresses slowly, even the more aggressive types. That gives patients time to consider options carefully," David explained. Avoiding or delaying treatment can also help reduce side effects from surgery or radiotherapy. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sánchez's wedding cost, guest list revealed: The numbers will take you by surprise Myth 5: Treatment means the end of your sex life David emphasized that a prostate cancer diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean the end of sexual activity. While some treatments may affect sexual function, recovery is possible—and support is available. "We encourage people to understand that sex isn't just about penetration. Many regain function, and there are treatments that can help," he added.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer: Five myths debunked after former US President's 'aggressive' diagnosis
Former US President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer that has a five-year survival rate of between 30% and 40%. The prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, the Democrat's office announced on Sunday. The press statement said the Democratic leader was diagnosed with the disease after he experienced urinary symptoms, and a prostate nodule was found. Now, the Biden family is reviewing options for possible treatment plans. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement said. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by The 82-year-old leader's son, Beau Biden, also died of cancer in 2015. According to the statement, Biden's cancer was found to have "a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)." ALSO READ: Trump's 'one big, beautiful bill' offers $1k for newborns, immigration and tax cuts: 10-point explainer Live Events "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management." The American Cancer Society suggests that around one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Given the rising awareness around prostate cancer, it's crucial to address widespread misconceptions. David James, Director of Patient Projects and Influencing at Prostate Cancer Research, spoke with Surrey Live to clarify five persistent myths about the disease. Myths about prostate cancer: Myth 1: Only older men get prostate cancer While it's true that prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, it can occur at any age. "Many believe it's a disease exclusive to older men, but that's simply not the case," David explained. Although age is a known risk factor, other elements—such as ethnicity and family history—also significantly influence risk. According to NHS guidance, Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than Asian men. Additional risks include obesity, dietary factors, and high calcium intake, reports The Mirror. Myth 2: There are always clear symptoms Symptoms like difficulty urinating or blood in the urine may be linked to prostate cancer, but early stages are often symptomless. "Symptoms typically emerge only when the cancer has grown large enough to affect surrounding tissue or spread," said David. Early detection can be challenging, making regular screening especially important for high-risk groups, the report mentioned. ALSO READ: FBI chief Kash Patel, accused of spending more time at nightclubs than office, makes big announcement Myth 3: Prostate cancer is always slow-growing Not all prostate cancers develop slowly. The disease's severity is measured using the Gleason score, which ranges from 2 to 10. A higher score indicates a more aggressive cancer. "While many cases are slow-growing, some can be very aggressive—particularly in younger men or those with a family history," David noted. For these patients, early diagnosis is critical for improving survival outcomes. Myth 4: Immediate treatment is always necessary Treatment approaches vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. In some early-stage cases, active monitoring—known as 'active surveillance'—may be the best course of action. "Prostate cancer often progresses slowly, even the more aggressive types. That gives patients time to consider options carefully," David explained. Avoiding or delaying treatment can also help reduce side effects from surgery or radiotherapy. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sánchez's wedding cost, guest list revealed: The numbers will take you by surprise Myth 5: Treatment means the end of your sex life David emphasized that a prostate cancer diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean the end of sexual activity. While some treatments may affect sexual function, recovery is possible—and support is available. "We encourage people to understand that sex isn't just about penetration. Many regain function, and there are treatments that can help," he added.
The Independent
01-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Sunak and wife Murty unveil new charity focused on tackling numeracy problems
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have unveiled a new charity dedicated to improving numeracy across the UK. The venture, which has been named The Richmond Project after the area of North Yorkshire where they live and which Mr Sunak represents as an MP, will support creative ways of tackling numeracy problems. It aims to help children struggling at school, families lacking in number confidence and adults who never mastered basic maths. Since leaving Number 10 after the election in July, the MP for Richmond and Northallerton has become an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research and accepted visiting academic posts at Oxford and Stanford. Meanwhile, Ms Murty has been a headline speaker at India's leading literary festival alongside her mother Sudha Murty. Mr Sunak said: 'Akshata and I are passionate about the importance of education – particularly numeracy, and the culture around it. 'If we can change the way people think about and approach numbers, we can build confidence and transform lives. 'We're calling it The Richmond Project – named after the place where we live and the constituency I am proud to represent. 'It'll be a UK-wide charity which will focus on breaking down some of the barriers that exist in families around numeracy – whether you're at primary school, secondary or indeed as an adult.' In 2023, while Mr Sunak was still in office, Ms Murty launched her Lessons At Ten programme in which thousands of children came to Downing Street on Friday mornings for lessons on a range of subjects, including numeracy and maths. Writing in The Times on Saturday, Ms Murty said: 'Since leaving No 10 Rishi and I have talked about what really matters to us now, and why. 'We've been fortunate in many ways, so what can we do to give back: to continue our commitment to public service. 'We've asked ourselves some fundamental questions – what drives us, what will make a real difference, and ultimately what will change lives? 'All our conversations have led us back to our passion – education. We did our research and concluded that within the sphere of education, numeracy stands out and would benefit from further attention. 'Great work is already being done, and we want to add to that. 'So, we've decided to set up The Richmond Project. The mission: To transform lives, by numbers. 'Building confidence with numbers changes lives. 'The Richmond Project will identify and support innovative solutions that drive social mobility by helping families break down barriers to numeracy. 'From starting school, through teenage years and into adulthood, if you find numbers a struggle, you'll find day to day living a struggle. 'Lack of understanding leads to fear and fear creates a vicious cycle that's hard to break. 'It can start young and blight your entire education, leading to limited job prospects and long-term social and financial consequences.' The project will champion a range of numeracy-related innovations. Its work is expected to include original research and financial, organisational and delivery support for specialist organisations. The charity's trustees are Mr Sunak, Ms Murty and Eleanor Shawcross, a former director of the No 10 Policy Unit.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sunak and wife Murty unveil new charity focused on tackling numeracy problems
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have unveiled a new charity dedicated to improving numeracy across the UK. The venture, which has been named The Richmond Project after the area of North Yorkshire where they live and which Mr Sunak represents as an MP, will support creative ways of tackling numeracy problems. It aims to help children struggling at school, families lacking in number confidence and adults who never mastered basic maths. Since leaving Number 10 after the election in July, the MP for Richmond and Northallerton has become an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research and accepted visiting academic posts at Oxford and Stanford. Meanwhile, Ms Murty has been a headline speaker at India's leading literary festival alongside her mother Sudha Murty. Mr Sunak said: 'Akshata and I are passionate about the importance of education – particularly numeracy, and the culture around it. 'If we can change the way people think about and approach numbers, we can build confidence and transform lives. 'We're calling it The Richmond Project – named after the place where we live and the constituency I am proud to represent. 'It'll be a UK-wide charity which will focus on breaking down some of the barriers that exist in families around numeracy – whether you're at primary school, secondary or indeed as an adult.' In 2023, while Mr Sunak was still in office, Ms Murty launched her Lessons At Ten programme in which thousands of children came to Downing Street on Friday mornings for lessons on a range of subjects, including numeracy and maths. Writing in The Times on Saturday, Ms Murty said: 'Since leaving No 10 Rishi and I have talked about what really matters to us now, and why. 'We've been fortunate in many ways, so what can we do to give back: to continue our commitment to public service. 'We've asked ourselves some fundamental questions – what drives us, what will make a real difference, and ultimately what will change lives? 'All our conversations have led us back to our passion – education. We did our research and concluded that within the sphere of education, numeracy stands out and would benefit from further attention. 'Great work is already being done, and we want to add to that. 'So, we've decided to set up The Richmond Project. The mission: To transform lives, by numbers. 'Building confidence with numbers changes lives. 'The Richmond Project will identify and support innovative solutions that drive social mobility by helping families break down barriers to numeracy. 'From starting school, through teenage years and into adulthood, if you find numbers a struggle, you'll find day to day living a struggle. 'Lack of understanding leads to fear and fear creates a vicious cycle that's hard to break. 'It can start young and blight your entire education, leading to limited job prospects and long-term social and financial consequences.' The project will champion a range of numeracy-related innovations. Its work is expected to include original research and financial, organisational and delivery support for specialist organisations. The charity's trustees are Mr Sunak, Ms Murty and Eleanor Shawcross, a former director of the No 10 Policy Unit.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Sunak calls for targeted national screening programme for prostate cancer
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak has urged Sir Keir Starmer to set up a national screening programme for those at high risk of prostate cancer. Mr Sunak, who was recently made a Prostate Cancer Research ambassador, said thousands of lives could be saved as a result of targeted measures. Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are statistically more at risk of the disease, the charity said. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously said screenings could have a 'huge part to play in bridging health inequalities' and the UK National Screening Committee is 'examining the case for population screening'. During Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Sunak said: 'Prostate cancer is now our country's most common cancer and yet there is no national screening programme. 'We made progress towards this in government but yet there is more to do, which is why I'm delighted to have joined Prostate Cancer Research, the charity, as an ambassador. 'I'm grateful to the Health Secretary for his engagement thus far, and could I ask the Prime Minister to ensure that we do have a targeted national screening programme for the most-at-risk groups of prostate cancer? 'So that we can not only save the NHS money, make progress towards the Government's early diagnosis targets, but most crucially, save thousands of lives.' The Prime Minister replied: 'Can I thank him for using his authority and reputation to support this vital cause which will make a material difference, and I look forward to working with him on it. 'We do share a commitment to detecting prostate cancer earlier and treating it faster – we must do that. 'Our national cancer plan will improve the way we treat cancer right across the country, and I'll make sure he is fully informed of the steps that we're taking, and we'll work with him.' Mr Sunak said he was 'honoured' to have been made an ambassador and he hopes his work will 'prevent further needless deaths'. Speaking earlier this week, he added: 'Men tend to ignore pain hoping it'll go away rather than going to see the GP, and that's a part of the reason why prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in the UK. 'We can do something about that. It is clear from a trial that I funded when I was in office, that early detection saves lives. 'Catching the cancer early drastically improved survival rates, however that survival rate drops by half if it's caught late. A targeted national screening programme will help save many lives.' Last Thursday, Mr Sunak met workers at the laboratories of British cancer diagnostics company Oxford BioDynamics, where they are working on a new blood test. The EpiSwitch PSE test can detect prostate cancer with 94% accuracy, which is a 'significant improvement' on the most commonly used PSA test, according to Prostate Cancer Research. David James, director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research, said: 'We deeply value Rishi's ongoing advocacy and welcome the Prime Minister's recognition of the need for earlier detection and faster treatment of prostate cancer. 'With cases now at record levels, urgent action is needed to stop men from being diagnosed too late. A targeted national screening programme is critical, particularly for those at highest risk. 'We look forward to working with Rishi in his role as a Prostate Cancer Research ambassador, and to collaborating with Wes Streeting and others to ensure that this remains a central focus in the national cancer plan and the UK National Screening Committee's review.' Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: 'We want to extend our thanks to Rishi Sunak for bringing the issue of targeted screening directly to the Prime Minister. 'We submitted our proposal for targeted screening to the National Screening Committee over two years ago. We expect to hear from them before the end of 2025, but time is running out for far too many men. 'While we wait for the National Screening Committee, there's something the Government can do right now to help men. Prostate Cancer UK is calling on the Government to change outdated NHS guidelines so that GPs can start having proactive conversations with men at the highest risk of getting prostate cancer about their risk and the option to get tested. 'Sign our letter to Wes Streeting to get current NHS guidelines updated so that men at highest risk can be diagnosed earlier and more easily.'
