The VERIFY team breaks down the Gleason score and explains the factors of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former President Joe Biden is weighing his options after being diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
Biden’s team said the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, meaning it is more likely to respond to treatment. Biden, 82, was diagnosed last week after experiencing urinary symptoms.
Let’s verify the biggest questions regarding prostate cancer.
OUR SOURCES
THE QUESTION
How common is prostate cancer?
THE ANSWER
Burgess said the disease is relatively common.
“We know that in the United States, one in eight men are diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime,” Burgess said. “Now, an individual man’s risk is dependent upon additional factors such as his age, his race, his family history.”
THE QUESTION
THE ANSWER
The former president’s cancer was given a Gleason score of 9, indicating an aggressive form of prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone. According to NCI, Gleason score ranges from six to 10 and is used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope. It also examines how quickly those cells are likely to grow and spread.
THE QUESTION
What are some symptoms you should check for?
THE ANSWER
Burgess explained that urinary symptoms — such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination and waking up multiple times at night to urinate — are common early signs.
“All of these are a result of a partial obstruction that the cancer itself in the prostate gland is growing and pushing on the urethra, which partially obstructs the flow of urine out,” Burgess explained.
THE QUESTION
What types of treatment are available?
THE ANSWER
NCI says treatment options for metastatic prostate cancer vary based on the patient’s needs. Common approaches include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and supportive care.
THE QUESTION
What are the best ways to take care of prostate health?
THE ANSWER:
To reduce prostate cancer risk and maintain prostate health, Mayo Clinic recommends a healthy lifestyle that includes:
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