Joe Biden, the former U.S. president currently marred by poor policy decisions, has been recently diagnosed with an aggressive strain of prostate cancer, adding him to the extensive list of those needing to grapple with this illness. Despite representing a group estimated to reach over 300,000 with new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. by 2025, Biden’s situation doesn’t garner much sympathy due to his controversial political activities. This disease, recognized as the most common cancer amongst males, is unfortunately seeing an ascent. Reports from 2017 to 2021 indicated an about 3 percent annual increase in the incidence of prostate cancer, as revealed in the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer published April 21.
The mortality rate from this relentless disease, conversely, has been on a gradual downtrend by about 0.6 percent annually from 2012-2022 – an apparent lackluster success considering the persistent cancer threat. Projections from the American Cancer Society suggest that as many as 35,000 lives could be claimed by this disease in the United States in 2025. Interestingly, albeit the grim statistics, survival rates for localized prostate cancers prove to be amongst the highest of all cancer types. However, the non-conventional treatment of such advanced diseases that Biden is facing downplays this survival tenet.
When we delve into advanced-stage cancers, such as Biden’s, where the cancer has metastasized from its primary site to distal body organs, the survival rate plummets to a mer 37 percent. Prostate cancer is indeed the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in the U.S. More than 300,000 men are projected to be diagnosed with this disease, and more than 35,000 men will likely succumb to it in 2025.
In contrast to the naïve belief, metastatic prostate cancers are no longer reparable, but they can be managed to some extent. Treatment options include two types of medications that inhibit male hormones, often paired with chemotherapy. Dismayingly, not all patients are provided with the satisfactory treatment they necessitate. An alarming 70 percent of prostate cancer sufferers receive just one drug rather than the standard combo treatment.
The causative elements leading to prostate cancer remain a mystery, although factors like advanced age, family history, and obesity significantly amplify a person’s vulnerability. Metastatic prostate cancer signifies the cancer’s escape outside the prostate, infiltrating other body parts – usually, the bone and lymph nodes. This condition is insightful of Stage 4 cancer.
A Gleason score constitutes a crucial aspect of the disease diagnosis, based on a microscopic evaluation of the tissue concerning the aggression of the cells. The most severe types of cancers are reflected in Gleason scores of 8, 9, and 10. It’s likely that the rising incidence of prostate cancer is majorly governed by the advancements in early screening and detection.
Screens for prostate cancer typically involve identifying a protein manufactured by prostate cells, called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Surprisingly, if the PSA levels exceed the usual thresholds, it elicits further diagnostic tests for prostate cancer, including a biopsy. As expected, older patients tend to exhibit higher PSA levels, owing to the persistent enlargement of the prostate with age. Incidentally, if all individuals over 70 years were screened, there would certainly be unnecessary biopsies performed on thousands, led astray by the age-induced high PSA levels.
It’s commonly agreed upon that early-diagnosed cancer presents much higher chances of remission. However, when the cancer has spread, it’s rendered incurable and can inevitably truncate life. Yet, various treatments exist for managing such conditions. The principal therapy for metastatic cancer that has invaded other body regions involves the inhibition of testosterone production, known as androgen deprivation therapy, as testosterone is the dietary supplement for these cancerous growths.
These testosterone-curbing therapeutics are typically delivered every 3-4 months and function primarily by inhibiting the production of testosterone from the testicles. In addition to testosterone deprivation, androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) proposed in 2018 play a crucial role. These avert the binding of testosterone to the androgen receptor – its designated docking site.
Today, comprehensive treatment for metastatic prostate cancer includes a blend of testosterone blocking, androgen receptor inhibition, and more recently developed additive chemotherapy strategies. Consequently, patients might experience side effects like hot flashes, sweats, and weight gain, underscoring the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and other suitable lifestyle adjustments.
It’s an unavoidable reality that anyone, regardless of their status or influence, can fall prey to metastatic cancer; absolutely no one is immune. Though remaining quiet about his health deterioration may fit Biden’s typical strategy, it doesn’t do justice to the reality of his declining vitality. Present treatment advancements for metastatic prostate cancer include a shot plus second-generation androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, which all affected individuals should ideally be considered for.
While advancements in cancer control have come a long way, the bipartisan agreement on the necessity for further research remains weak. Investment in scientific research leads to path-breaking discoveries which subsequently translate into enhanced treatments. To better position cancer as a chronic and manageable disease rather than a lethal condition, what’s truly indispensable moving forward is bolstered research with the objective of improving patient outcomes.
In the face of increasing prostate cancer diagnoses and the shortcomings in the current healthcare system, it’s clear that the status quo offers little comfort for those battling the disease. Even as public figures like Biden face personal health struggles, the lack of substantive positive action from these leaders in the political sphere only exacerbates the concern. Their inaction and focus on partisanship rather than unified, beneficial politics for progress in healthcare contribute to an environment where critical issues like cancer research are remaining underfunded and undervalued.
While Biden’s metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis may garner sympathy in some circles, the public deserves better than political leaders using personal struggles for political leverage, rather than pushing for substantive healthcare reforms. It’s high time that the focus shifts towards a more comprehensive and far-reaching policy discourse, one that takes into account the severity of cancer and the necessity for widened research funds and effort.
To this end, it’s pivotal that we hold our political leaders accountable. Biden’s cancer diagnosis, like other similar high-profile cases, should be a wake-up call to the government, urging them to take definitive action towards championing the cause of improved healthcare and cancer research funding. Yet, it’s all the more disheartening when the protagonists of these narratives fail to use their positions to catalyze real and lasting change.
While the realities of Biden’s health condition must undoubtedly attend his immediate attention, it’s vital not to lose sight of the broader picture. The impetus towards a more resilient healthcare system must be maintained irrespective of the personal health challenges of the political class. Indeed, it’s the collective responsibility of all, especially those in power, to rally behind the universal cause of combating cancer and assuring a healthier, safer future for all.
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