Latest news with #YaleCancerCenter
USA Today
31-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
This 25-year-old survived breast cancer. Now, she's dealing with menopause.
Alexis Klimpl felt an itch. So, like anyone else, she went to scratch it. But her fingers curled around something else. A massive lump on her right breast. About a year ago, the now 25-year-old was laying in bed with her boyfriend and immediately shot up. Her face dropped. "What?" he asked, naively. "There's literally a lump on my boob," she said. They felt it – maybe it's a bone? It was hard. But if it were a bone, could you move it around in a circle? Was it a cyst? A benign lump? Or ... Breast cancer. Maybe it's breast cancer. At 24 years old. The diagnosis that affects more than 300,000 women each year in the U.S. More than 40,000 women die of it every year. Klimpl is one of the 300,000 – and one of a growing number of women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer in recent years. But she's now also one of the 4 million survivors living in the U.S., too. Breast cancer treatment and side effects, including menopause Klimpl lives in San Diego but is a Hawaii native. She's at peace in the water and loves to surf. A beach trip to Indonesia she'd been planning was scheduled for a few days after first feeling that lump. With the travel planned, the money spent, she pressed on. The lump grew and grew. Once she returned, diagnostics confirmed it. Her doctor had a difficult time telling her, trying to reassure her and explaining it was very rare. "She kept looking at my mom more so than me, as if she was the patient," Klimpl says. "It's still relatively uncommon," says Dr. Eric Winer, director of the Yale Cancer Center, of breast cancer in young people, "but it is a concern that it's going up at all, and that, of course, is not because of screening, because we don't screen young patients like this, and we don't really understand the cause." Mammography alone for younger women under 40 may not be as effective due to denser breast tissue. But why are multiple cancers increasing in young people? No one knows for sure. "The increased incidence of breast cancer and the early onset is a serious concern and is likely multi-factorial," says Dr. Carmen Calfa, breast oncologist and medical co-director of the Survivorship Cancer Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. "We need to make every effort to understand all risks factors (including genetics) and modify those that are modifiable." Klimpl collapsed in that patient room after receiving her diagnosis; she had already gone through enough grief after losing her father to bile duct cancer in 2017. "All I could think about was how he was feeling, and how people similar to that feel, and what goes through their mind," she says, recalling his terminal illness. But Klimpl wasn't terminal. She had triple positive breast cancer, meaning her tumor cells included estrogen, progesterone and a higher number of HER2 receptors. This kind of cancer would be receptive to hormone therapy, and it was only stage 2. Not the earliest stage, but not the worst. Consultations with a plastic surgeon, radiologist and oncologist followed. Freezing her eggs was a priority because chemotherapy could ruin her chances of fertility and natural birth. She laments the process – injections aimed at growing your ovaries to produce more eggs. You look like you're pregnant, mood swings rattle your brain, the emotional toll. Poking, prodding, blood draw after blood draw. Cheotherapy (Taxotere and Carboplatin) and hormone drugs (Herceptin and Perjeta) came next, as well as cold capping to try to preserve her hair. Nausea consumed her during treatment. "I'm already a nauseous person, but this nausea was like the type that runs through your bones and your veins, like you just feel it everywhere, and no matter how many meds they give you. Nothing really helps," she says. A bad rash also dotted her face which depleted her self-esteem. She isolated herself to protect her immune system and grew stir-crazy. Plus, "I was losing my mind a little bit, not being able to be in the water." The medicines are indeed toxic, but incredible considering where scientists were decades ago. "We now think of breast cancer as being really a family of diseases, and we're able to name different types of breast cancer, all of which receive very different treatment," Winer says. "So our treatment is much more targeted, it's much more sophisticated." It's better to have more choices than fewer. "It's good for the patient, because the knowledge that we gained over three decades is really significant," says Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, director of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. Surgery followed to removed her tumor and lymph nodes followed by a double mastectomy; even though she didn't have the BRCA or other breast cancer genes, she craved certainty. Now, she's on a hormone blocker likely for the next decade and going through menopause. For a 25-year-old going through it, resources are scarce. "With the menopause, the side effects are bone pain, hair loss, mood swings," she says. "So they're all pretty manageable, but that's just what it comes with." Anyone concerned about menopause symptoms after breast cancer can check out American Cancer Society tips. Klimpl's body will return to normal once she stops the hormone blocker and she can get pregnant if she so chooses. "I won't know if I'm able to carry my own baby until I try," she says, "There's nothing I want more than that, so I'm crossing my fingers for when the day comes." She's found connection on social media with others in similar situations, and that's encouraged her to speak out. But more than anything right now, she's been excited to surf. Breast cancer tips: 'If you feel a lump, don't ignore it' Anyone concerned about breast cancer should talk to health care providers and/or look for reputable information from sources like the American Cancer Society, and consider taking the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Calfa is glad Klimpl sought care. "If you feel a lump, don't ignore it," she says. "If someone says 'you are too young to have breast cancer,' please don't stop until your concerns (and) symptoms are fully and thoroughly evaluated." And remember, too, that "for patients who have stage 1 or stage 2 or 3 breast cancer, the goal of treatment is to get them to a state where they're cancer-free and hopefully they're never going to hear from that cancer again," Winer says. "Depending on a variety of prognostic features, we know that some people are at lower or greater risk of having a recurrence of breast cancer." And, "because of ongoing research and developments, even women with advanced cancer can live many many years with an excellent quality of life," adds Dr. Dawn Hershman, deputy director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University. Klimpl recently went to visit Hawaii and swam for the first time in the ocean since right before starting chemotherapy. A full-circle moment for her. The warm water on her skin, in her hair, letting go of worries. Grief overwhelmed her. "One of the things that made me feel closer to my dad was surfing and being in the water," she says, "because he's the one that taught me how to do all of that. And so I've had a really big disconnect, um, this past year from him, without being able to do that." When she finally surfed again in San Diego, a week or so later, goosebumps overwhelmed her body. The sun came out after clouds had covered the sky for weeks. "Interesting timing," she says. "Maybe it was my dad shining down?"
Time Magazine
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
What Most People Overlook About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and it has increased dramatically in the last 50 years. Melanoma, the deadliest form, is expected to rise by 6% in 2025, and the incidence of melanoma in people under 30, especially women, is increasing faster than in any other age group. Excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, which is why it most commonly occurs on the face, scalp, ears, neck, upper chest and hands. 'These are the areas that receive the most cumulative sun exposure over a person's lifetime,' says Dr. David C. Reid, professor and chair of dermatology at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. But skin cancer can also develop in areas that aren't regularly exposed to the sun, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, genitals, buttocks, eyelids, in the skin under the nails, and inside the mouth or nose. People are often surprised that certain areas of the body that they think are protected from the sun—such as the scalp and the tops of the feet—can still get significant exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, says Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, chief of surgical dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center. But, she says, 'while UV radiation is the leading cause of most skin cancers, it's not the only factor.' What else causes skin cancer, besides the sun? Genetic factors, immunosuppression (especially for those who have had organ transplants), and chronic inflammation can all raise a person's risk. So can past injuries; skin cancer can develop in previously injured areas, such as wounds or scars, without sun exposure, Reid says. Occupational exposure to certain types of chemicals—such as those encountered by firefighters and industrial workers—can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer, he adds. Read More: The Genetic Cholesterol That Can Impact Your Heart Health Viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), are a common cause of genital skin cancers on the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. 'HPV is a super common virus—and it's not just sexually transmitted,' says Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and chief medical officer at the skin health company Joya. It can also spread through non-sexual contact with infected skin. And indoor tanning is a major contributor to skin cancer. Experts believe that the increased popularity of tanning beds and artificial sunlamps is a main reason why melanoma is rising among young people. People who have tanned indoors at any point in their lives have a 29% higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and an 83% increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma compared to people who never have, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The three main types of skin cancer and where they're found Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and it's typically related to chronic sun exposure. That's why it's often found on the face (including the nose, lips, and cheeks), ears, and neck, says Dr. Susan Massick, associate clinical professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. While it's 'not particularly aggressive, it can become more problematic if it's ignored, untreated, or allowed to progress.' Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common kind, and it's typically found on the face, ears, neck, lips and backs of the hands, though it can appear anywhere on the body. 'Squamous cell carcinoma favors sun-exposed areas, but can also arise in scars, chronic ulcers, or from viruses, in sun-protected areas,' Reid says. While it's highly treatable when identified in an early stage, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to surrounding tissues if it's not addressed. Read More: What to Do If You Get Diagnosed with an Ovarian Cyst Melanoma, which is the third most common type of skin cancer, tends to also occur in sun-exposed areas, particularly on the chest, torso, and back in men and the legs in women, Rossi notes. But it can also develop in non-sun-exposed areas such as the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth and the eye, Massick says. It's the deadliest form of skin cancer because it can spread to other areas of the body if it's not detected and treated early. How to prevent skin cancer Given the connections between skin cancer and sun exposure, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your skin with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis throughout the year. When spending time outside, reapply sunscreen every two hours, and be sure to apply enough: the amount should fill a shot glass for the whole body, plus two to three fingertips worth on the face and neck, Rossi says. When spending long periods of time outdoors, the Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends wearing UPF protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB light. Read More: Is Seltzer Water Good or Bad for You? Use these strategies when you're driving, too, because UVA penetrates through window glass, Rossi says. You may even want to wear driving gloves to protect the skin on your hands. 'It's also helpful to check the daily UV Index, which is included in smartphone weather apps,' says Reid. 'A score of 3 or higher means it's time to take precautions' such as seeking shade during the midday hours. Always steer clear of tanning beds, Suozzi advises, and avoid UV exposure in gel manicures. How to spot potential signs of skin cancer The key is to do monthly skin self-exams, making a concerted effort to check out the skin all over your body, including on your back, scalp, and genital areas. (You may want to enlist a partner's help for these hard-to-see areas—or use mirrors strategically.) Keep in mind: 'If you have light-colored hair, red hair, or thinning hair, it doesn't offer as much photoprotection,' Rossi says. That's why it's important to continuously part the hair during skin checks so you can see as much of your scalp as possible. And don't forget to examine your nails and the bottoms of your feet, Reid says. A skin cancer subtype called acral lentiginous melanoma tends to appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails, 'and it is more common in individuals with darker skin tones.' Read More: Why Do I Keep Having Recurring Dreams? Many people have heard of the ABCDE's for identifying suspected melanoma in moles or pigmented spots: A is for asymmetry (meaning one half looks different from the other), B is for border (the spot has an irregular or poorly defined border), C is for color (meaning the spot has color variations, such as shades of tan, brown, black, white, red, or blue), D is for diameter (spots that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser can signal melanoma), and E is for evolving, which means the spot is changing in size, color, or shape. The warning signs are different for other forms of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma may look like a pearly bump, a sore that doesn't heal, or a pink, scaly patch, Massick says. 'Squamous cell carcinoma might also appear as a pink, scaly patch, a wart-like growth or a rough, thickened area of skin that bleeds, scabs, or crusts'—and doesn't heal. If you develop any of these skin signs and they persist for a couple of months, see a dermatologist. 'It's not just moles—any persistent skin change should raise suspicion,' says Suozzi. In general, it's wise to see a dermatologist once a year for a full-body skin check, Rossi says. Your doctor can then do a biopsy of anything unusual and send it to a lab to diagnose or rule out cancer. The key is to catch any abnormal spots early—wherever they arise.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Biden's Cancer Has A High Gleason Score. Doctors Explain What That Means.
Over the weekend, President Joe Biden's office announced that the former president has prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. 'On Friday he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone,' the official statement read. The statement also categorized his diagnosis as 'a more aggressive form of the disease' and noted that there are certain hormone-based treatments available. Biden's diagnosis sent shockwaves throughout the country and the world, along with people who have faced this diagnosis themselves. One in eight people are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States, making it the most common type of cancer in men. There are treatments available, whether it's caught early or in later stages, like Biden's. Below, doctors explain what Biden's diagnosis means and what you should know about early detection. A Gleason score applies exclusively to prostate cancer, and is used by doctors to measure how advanced it is. 'The Gleason score is one of the first measures that describes the appearance of the cancer under the microscope. And that's a very strong indicator of how aggressive the prostate cancer is,' said Dr. Michael Leapman, clinical program leader of the prostate and urologic cancers program at Yale Cancer Center in Connecticut. In the official statement, Biden's office said he has a Gleason score of 9 and Grade Group of 5. Grade Group refers to the new way doctors measure one's Gleason score, and Grade Group 5 is 'the highest grade that we assign to prostate cancer,' Leapman said. In the old Gleason system, which goes from 6 to 10, Biden's Gleason score is a 9, which is 'among the most aggressive types [of prostate cancer],' said Dr. Jason Efstathiou, a radiation oncologist at Mass General Brigham in Boston. 'And what does that mean? It means that it can grow quickly and it is more likely to spread,' Efstathiou explained. 'When prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, the most common sites are the lymph nodes and/or the bone, and when it's spread in that manner, it's called metastatic prostate cancer, and that makes it more serious and certainly harder to cure,' Efstathiou said. In Biden's case, it has spread to the bones, according to the official statement. Roughly 5-10% of prostate cancers are diagnosed after they have spread, Efstathiou noted. 'Gleason 9 cancers are more likely than lower grade cancers to be metastatic at diagnosis or to spread later on,' Efstathiou said. 'Unfortunately, prostate cancer that has left the bones is not currently curable. We don't have any cures for prostate cancer that has metastasized,' said Leapman. While there isn't currently a cure, there are other options to extend someone's lifespan. 'We do, fortunately, have very good treatments that can control and shrink prostate cancer that has metastasized for many, many years,' Leapman added. Cancer research has grown in recent decades to allow for therapies and treatments for patients, said Dr. Nitim Yerram, the co-director of urologic oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. The official statement from Biden's office said that 'the President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.' And while no one other than Biden's own care team knows his current treatment options, experts said there are a few common treatment routes for metastatic prostate cancer. 'Talking about patients that are initially diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate with metastatic prostate cancer, treatment typically includes a combination of therapies, but by far and away, the backbone is what's called hormone therapy,' said Efstathiou. 'And what does hormone therapy do? It reduces testosterone and testosterone production, and can also block the action of testosterone — and testosterone is actually the fuel for prostate cancer, and so what these hormone therapies are doing are cutting off the fuel supply and starving the prostate cancer cells,' he explained. Hormone therapy is usually combined with other therapies, he added. 'So, while the backbone is hormonal therapy, in recent years, research and trials have shown that adding on other targeted therapies can improve survival and outcomes even further.' Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are examples of other targeted therapies that can help control symptoms and the disease, added Efstathiou. 'If you or a loved one is diagnosed with these more advanced prostate cancers ... it's important for them to know that they're not alone, that there are many effective treatments, that research has been moving fast. In just the past two decades, there are well over a dozen new drug therapies specifically for metastatic prostate cancer,' he said. 'So while it's serious, there is hope, and there certainly is progress as well.' 'We know that the the best thing we can do to reduce any man's risk of dying from prostate cancer or developing metastatic prostate cancer is to find it early,' said Leapman. The best way to do this is through PSA screening, which measures 'a blood marker called PSA, which stands for prostate specific antigen, and if that level is elevated, that can be an indicator that there is prostate cancer,' Leapman noted. The official guidelines recommend PSA screenings for men ages 55 to 69, but you should talk to your primary care doctor to see if PSA screening is right for you and at what age. 'Some of the guidelines would start that at at age 50, and some guidelines even recommend a baseline PSA level drawn between ages 45 to 49,' said Efstathiou. As mentioned above, some folks are at higher risk of prostate cancer — Black men, those with a familial history and those with certain genetic mutations. For those people, PSA screening should 'certainly be considered,' said Efstathiou. In the official statement about Biden's diagnosis, 'increasing urinary symptoms' were mentioned. But it is often a symptomless cancer, said Yerram. 'Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer do not have symptoms because we're catching things early,' said Leapman. This is particularly true in its early stages, added Efstathiou. This doesn't mean there are never signs, though. 'When [symptoms] do occur, it could manifest as urinary difficulties, like difficulty starting or stopping the urinary stream, more frequent urination, a weak stream,' Efstathiou said. It may also present as blood in the urine or semen, he added. When it comes to more advanced prostate cancer, sometimes — but not often — it could present with bone pain, weight loss or fatigue, said Efstathiou. If you have any of these concerning symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor, Efstathiou said. 'Prostate cancer is not the one that typically spreads quickly, ' said Yeram. 'So, [Biden] has had this for some amount of time, and I'm sure it was undiagnosed prior to what they recently recently released,' said Yerram. Typically, routine PSA screening is not recommended for people over the age of 70, he added. 'I suspect, given the president's age, he may not have gotten routine PSA screening — I can't speak to his care specifically, but I would say the chance of having aggressive prostate cancer while you're getting routinely screened with a blood test of the PSA is extremely low,' Yeeram said. (This is why doctors typically recommend PSA screening, Yeeram added.) 'The time from cancer development to symptom onset can vary widely. Even aggressive prostate cancer can go quietly for months or even years before symptoms appear ... in some cases, by the time symptoms develop, the disease has already spread. That's why regular screening and early evaluation are essential, especially in men at higher risk,' Efstathiou said. Higher-risk men include those with certain genetic mutations, Black men and those with a family history of the disease, added Efstathiou. 'It's even possible for some advanced prostate cancers to present with low PSA and to develop very quickly,' noted Efstathiou. 'Certainly, Gleason 9 prostate cancers can grow more quickly, and have a greater ability and likelihood to spread and that can happen quickly — even though that timeline can vary quite a bit,' Efstathiou said. 'The one thing I really want to emphasize in the current climate, and this is the most important thing, is with federal funding being slashed for research, and the NIH being gutted, and all the other support that the government is slowly taking away, this is years in the making to be able to provide new therapies to help patients,' said Yerram. 'And I'm sure [Biden] will be one to benefit from all that,' he said. 'I think it should make us all rethink what's happening on an everyday basis in our country and really emphasize that it's really the government that helps with the advancement of new therapies, and we should really, really advocate for such funding,' noted Yerram. Biden Shares Selfie, Message Of Gratitude After Shock Cancer Diagnosis Biden Has Been Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer The Age You Should Get A Mammogram Just Got Lowered
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer: What to know about the illness and treatment options, according to experts
Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced on Sunday. The Democrat, who was experiencing urinary symptoms, was diagnosed on Friday following the discovery of a nodule on his prostate. 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,' Biden's office said, noting that additional scans revealed that the cancer has spread to Biden's bones. 'The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.' As words of support flooded social media, Biden shared a note alongside a photo of himself, wife Jill Biden and their cat on X. 'Cancer touches us all,' he wrote. 'Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.' Yahoo News spoke to experts about what Biden's prognosis means and which treatments he may choose to receive. The prostate is a male-only organ found below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it aids in fertility. Prostate cancer is 'the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death,' behind lung cancer, Dr. William Oh, a genitourinary oncologist and director of precision medicine for Yale Cancer Center, told Yahoo News. 'We know it is a disease of aging and that it is more common as men get older,' said Oh, who does not treat Biden. He also noted that while people with a family history of prostate cancer, as well as African American men, have a higher risk of developing it, 'we do not know what causes prostate cancer.' Prostate cancer oncologist Dr. Christopher Wee of the Cleveland Clinic, who also does not treat Biden, told Yahoo News that 'aggressive' is a 'relative term,' but that health care professionals use it to explain that the cancer is 'more likely to grow and spread than the average cancer.' One measure of how aggressive a cancer can be, Wee said, is the Gleason score. 'The more abnormal the cancer cells are, the higher the Gleason score,' he said, noting that the highest score possible is 10 and the lowest score is six. Biden's Gleason score is a nine, which, Wee said, 'reflects a more aggressive behavior.' According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer when it has spread to other parts of the body is 37%. 'When prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate, such as to the bone, this is called metastatic cancer,' Wee said. 'Generally speaking, this is not usually considered curable, and it becomes a lifelong disease.' Metastatic cancer is considered Stage IV. While treatment can slow its growth, improve or maintain the quality of life and help patients live longer, it's 'very difficult to get too much more specific than that, because there can be people in whom there's only one bone spot, and there can be people in whom there's spots all over the body,' Wee noted. The primary treatment, he said, is to use medicines. These medicines include 'androgen deprivation therapy [ADT], where we lower the androgens, primarily testosterone, because that is the fuel for prostate cancer,' Wee explained. 'In addition to ADT, patients with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer will also get a second hormone reducing medicine in a pill form, because there have been multiple trials showing that if patients use ADT plus a hormone reducing pill, they tend to live longer than those who get ADT by themselves,' Wee said. 'And in some circumstances, we even add intravenous chemotherapy as a third medicine.' Occasionally, a patient may have testicles removed as well. 'Ultimately, these [treatment] decisions are complex,' Wee said. 'No two cases are the same, and it really involves very careful consideration of a patient's cancer, the patient's health and, most importantly, the patient's values and preferences.' Well-wishes from Biden's peers came shortly after his diagnosis. Former Vice President Kamala Harris extended kind words in an Instagram post, in which she said she and husband Doug Emhoff were 'saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis.' 'We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time,' she continued alongside a photo of her and Biden in the Oval Office. 'Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.' And former President Barack Obama shared in a post on X that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were 'thinking of the entire Biden family,' writing, 'Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.' President Trump also reacted to the news on his social media site, Truth Social, stating that he and first lady Melania Trump were 'saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis.' 'We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,' Trump wrote.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer: What to know about the illness and treatment options, according to experts
Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office announced on Sunday. The Democrat, who was experiencing urinary symptoms, was diagnosed on Friday following the discovery of a nodule on his prostate. 'While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,' Biden's office said, noting that additional scans revealed that the cancer has spread to Biden's bones. 'The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.' As words of support flooded social media, Biden shared a note alongside a photo of himself, wife Jill Biden and their cat on X. 'Cancer touches us all,' he wrote. 'Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.' Yahoo News spoke to experts about what Biden's prognosis means and which treatments he may choose to receive. The prostate is a male-only organ found below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it aids in fertility. Prostate cancer is 'the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death,' behind lung cancer, Dr. William Oh, a genitourinary oncologist and director of precision medicine for Yale Cancer Center, told Yahoo News. 'We know it is a disease of aging and that it is more common as men get older,' said Oh, who does not treat Biden. He also noted that while people with a family history of prostate cancer, as well as African American men, have a higher risk of developing it, 'we do not know what causes prostate cancer.' Prostate cancer oncologist Dr. Christopher Wee of the Cleveland Clinic, who also does not treat Biden, told Yahoo News that 'aggressive' is a 'relative term,' but that health care professionals use it to explain that the cancer is 'more likely to grow and spread than the average cancer.' One measure of how aggressive a cancer can be, Wee said, is the Gleason score. 'The more abnormal the cancer cells are, the higher the Gleason score,' he said, noting that the highest score possible is 10 and the lowest score is six. Biden's Gleason score is a nine, which, Wee said, 'reflects a more aggressive behavior.' According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer when it has spread to other parts of the body is 37%. 'When prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate, such as to the bone, this is called metastatic cancer,' Wee said. 'Generally speaking, this is not usually considered curable, and it becomes a lifelong disease.' Metastatic cancer is considered Stage IV. While treatment can slow its growth, improve or maintain the quality of life and help patients live longer, it's 'very difficult to get too much more specific than that, because there can be people in whom there's only one bone spot, and there can be people in whom there's spots all over the body,' Wee noted. The primary treatment, he said, is to use medicines. These medicines include 'androgen deprivation therapy [ADT], where we lower the androgens, primarily testosterone, because that is the fuel for prostate cancer,' Wee explained. 'In addition to ADT, patients with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer will also get a second hormone reducing medicine in a pill form, because there have been multiple trials showing that if patients use ADT plus a hormone reducing pill, they tend to live longer than those who get ADT by themselves,' Wee said. 'And in some circumstances, we even add intravenous chemotherapy as a third medicine.' Occasionally, a patient may have testicles removed as well. 'Ultimately, these [treatment] decisions are complex,' Wee said. 'No two cases are the same, and it really involves very careful consideration of a patient's cancer, the patient's health and, most importantly, the patient's values and preferences.' Well-wishes from Biden's peers came shortly after his diagnosis. Former Vice President Kamala Harris extended kind words in an Instagram post, in which she said she and husband Doug Emhoff were 'saddened to learn of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis.' 'We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time,' she continued alongside a photo of her and Biden in the Oval Office. 'Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.' And former President Barack Obama shared in a post on X that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were 'thinking of the entire Biden family,' writing, 'Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.' President Trump also reacted to the news on his social media site, Truth Social, stating that he and first lady Melania Trump were 'saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis.' 'We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,' Trump wrote.
