Prostate Cancer Cases on the Rise
Prostate cancer has seen a notable increase, with cases climbing by 3% annually since 2014. This year, former President Joe Biden is among over 300,000 men diagnosed with the illness.
Biden’s office announced the diagnosis on Sunday, just a few days after a routine exam revealed a “small nodule” in his prostate. Reportedly, this could indicate a more aggressive version of the disease, although it appears to be hormone-sensitive. The president and his family are currently discussing treatment options with his doctor.
Advancements in Testing
Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that hormone-sensitive prostate cancer may respond better to hormonal therapy, making treatment more effective compared to other options.
Hormonal therapy works by blocking hormones that encourage the growth of prostate cancer cells. Additional treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiopharmaceutical approaches.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer primarily affects men, occurring in the prostate gland. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 313,780 new cases were diagnosed in 2025, leading to around 35,770 deaths from the disease.
Statistically, one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Older men are at a higher risk, as six out of ten diagnoses occur in individuals over 65. The average diagnosis age is reported at 67, with men under 40 rarely affected. Biden, at 82, falls into the higher risk category.
Signs and Symptoms
Many men undergoing routine screenings may have the disease before symptoms even surface. Early signs often include urinary issues, such as weak flow or increased frequency, and some may notice blood in their urine or other bodily fluids.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen, with pain in areas like the lower back, spine, or ribs, alongside possible erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Screening Recommendations
The US Preventive Services Task Force advises men aged 55 to 69 to consider regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to keep track of prostate cancer risk. They stress the importance of discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of screening with healthcare providers, allowing for informed personal decisions.
While screening may slightly lower the risk of dying from the disease, some men may face negative impacts such as false positives, unnecessary treatments, and related complications.
Survival Rates
The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for local prostate cancer—where the disease remains confined to the prostate—is at least 99%. When the cancer spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes, this survival rate also remains above 99%. However, if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the rate drops significantly to 37%. Individual survival outcomes can vary based on age, general health, and responses to treatment.
