OhioHealth Experts Call for Prostate Screening Following Biden Diagnosis
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office and urologists confirmed. While the news has stirred concern across the country, OhioHealth experts say it also underscores the greater need for awareness around early detection and routine screening.
“First of all, it is an unfortunate diagnosis, but at the same time, it’s a treatable one,” Tariq Khemees, MD, urologic oncologist with OhioHealth, told NBC4 reporter Eric Halperin.
Dr. Khemees, who specializes in prostate and kidney cancers, said that while treatments are available, Biden’s cancer has reached a more advanced stage.
“We can get him the treatment that’s going to make his life, I would say, reasonable,” he said, “but unfortunately, cure is no longer on the table, and we’ve got to set the expectation that this is an incurable disease because it has metastasized to the bone.”
Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. “Survival is nearly 100 percent when the cancer is localized to the prostate,” said Dr. Khemees. “But once the cancer metastasizes, survival drops down to 30 percent, 32 percent.”
That’s why screening is critical. In its early stages, prostate cancer typically does not cause symptoms, which can lead to late diagnoses like Biden’s.
“Screening saves lives and the message we should relay to the men in the community is please get screened and let’s get you the help you need so we can beat this cancer together,” Dr. Khemees said.
Screening involves a simple blood test, and while it was once recommended for older men, the guidance has shifted. Today, men are encouraged to begin screening at age 45.
While Biden’s diagnosis is difficult news, Dr. Khemees believes it could serve as a turning point in encouraging more men to take prostate cancer seriously.
“I hope President Biden’s diagnosis will increase awareness of men to get checked and screened for prostate cancer,” he said.
