Intense questions surround the U.S. Pentagon following the recent revelation that the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalized for several days without informing President Joe Biden, senior national security officials, and even Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.
Austin's admission to the hospital came after he underwent surgery to treat prostate cancer. So, what are the details?
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a tumor that originates in the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system. It typically affects older men and if detected early, the patient may experience limited and temporary side effects.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in this gland grow uncontrollably. If the cancerous tumor in the gland is detected early, it can be treated and cured.
Most prostate cancers grow very slowly. It usually takes at least 10 years for a tumor confined to the prostate to cause significant symptoms.
Many men with the disease safely monitor their condition through regular medical tests and may never need aggressive treatments like surgery or radiation, without reducing their chances of survival.
Dr. Otis Brawley, a professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told CNN, "Nearly half the men diagnosed with prostate cancer can be monitored and will never need treatment because, yes, they have cancer, but it's not aggressive, and it won't kill them."
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Many patients don't feel any symptoms and are only diagnosed when they have a blood test called the "Prostate-Specific Antigen" (PSA) test; therefore, early detection screenings are recommended.
Some patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination or problems urinating.
- Blood in the urine.
- Back or leg pain.
- Loss of appetite and bone pain (if the disease has spread).
When was Prostate Cancer Discovered for Austin?
Austin's cancer was discovered in early December, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
How was Prostate Cancer Detected for Austin?
Dr. Oliver Sartor, head of the Genitourinary Medical Oncology Disease group at the Mayo Clinic, stated that it was reassuring to know that Austin's cancer was detected through a blood test.
Was Prostate Cancer Detected Early or Late for Austin?
Prostate cancer was discovered early in Austin's case.
What is the Blood Test for Prostate Cancer?
The blood test measures the levels of a protein called the Prostate-Specific Antigen, which is produced by the prostate gland. When there is a problem with the prostate gland, it secretes more Prostate-Specific Antigen, and high levels can be a sign of prostate cancer.
Researchers have not settled on a single normal level of Prostate-Specific Antigen. In the past, a level of 4.0 nanograms/mL or higher meant a recommendation for further testing, usually a prostate biopsy. During a biopsy, the healthcare provider removes a small sample of prostate tissue to check for cancer.
How Serious is Prostate Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, after lung cancer. Although it can be serious, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it, and the death rate has declined sharply over the past few decades.
What Treatment Did Austin Undergo for Prostate Cancer?
Austin underwent a surgical procedure on December 22 called prostatectomy to treat cancer. According to the hospital's statement, the minister was under general anesthesia during the surgery. He quietly recovered from the surgery and returned home the following morning.
Why Did Austin Return to the Hospital?
Austin was readmitted to the hospital due to complications after surgery. On January 1, he was suffering from nausea with severe pain in the abdomen, hip, and leg, as well as a urinary tract infection.
Austin was moved to intensive care on January 2 after finding a buildup of fluid that impairs the function of the small intestine. The fluid was drained, and his doctors say he is improving.
What is Expected for Austin's Condition After Prostate Surgery?
African American men are 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to white men and more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
However, Dr. Sartor commented, "The worst kinds of prostate cancer are those that have spread and which cannot be surgically treated.. Thus, the fact that he (Austin) underwent surgery is a relatively good sign to me."
If prostate cancer is discovered after it has spread, the chance of surviving at least five years after diagnosis drops to 32%.
If detected early, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%.
Dr. Sartor mentioned that the type of surgery Austin underwent to remove the prostate greatly reduces the risk of death within the next five years.
However, prostate cancer is known to be more aggressive among African American men, as Dr. Sartor mentioned, and this may be why Austin chose to undergo surgery.
Dr. Michael Stifelman, head of Urology at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, stated that complications like Austin's from prostate surgery are "extremely rare," occurring in about 2% of surgical cases.
When was Biden Informed of Austin's Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?
A White House spokesperson said that Biden was only informed on Tuesday about the Secretary of Defense's prostate cancer diagnosis, which happened 18 days after he entered the hospital for surgery.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, "It is not ideal for a situation of this nature to go on this long without the commander knowing what's happening."
Speaking to reporters at the White House, he mentioned, "If there are some changes that need to be made, you know, in terms of process and procedure, then we'll do that."
"Our primary focus right now is on Secretary Austin's health and ensuring he gets all the care and support he needs to fully recover. That's the focus."
Kirby pointed out that Austin has already resumed all of his job functions, clarifying, "He is doing all the duties he normally does. He's doing that right now from the hospital."
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden has "full confidence" in Austin and added, "The president appreciates Austin's statement and taking full responsibility here. And I think the important thing is that he gets back to the Pentagon and takes full responsibility."
