Former US President Joe Biden completes radiation therapy round for prostate cancer

Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using a Gleason score, which ranges from 6 to 10. Higher scores indicate more aggressive disease. Biden’s score was 9, placing it among the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Health updates since leaving office

Last month, Biden also underwent surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead. His postpresidential office has regularly updated the public on his health following his departure from the White House in January.

Biden left office six months after ending his bid for reelection, following a challenging debate against Republican Donald Trump, amid concerns over his age, health, and mental fitness. Trump ultimately defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, Biden’s former vice president.

When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. However, it remains the second-leading cause of cancer death among men. According to the American Cancer Society, cited by AP, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

(With inputs from agencies)