Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent prostate cancer diagnosis has raised concerns about his health and the handling of his undisclosed hospitalization. The timeline of events surrounding his medical condition and the subsequent lack of notification to President Joe Biden and other high-ranking officials has left many questioning the transparency and communication within the administration.
On December 22nd, Austin was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early, and he underwent a successful minimally invasive surgery. Just one day later, he was released to work from home. However, on January 1st, Austin began to experience discomfort, including nausea and pain, leading to his readmission to Walter Reed Medical Center.
According to reports from Walter Reed, Austin was transferred to the ICU on January 2nd. It is worth noting that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks were informed of his hospitalization on that day, but were not aware of the specific reason until January 4th. President Biden was only notified on that same day, along with other senior administration officials.
The delayed notification regarding the nature of Austin's hospitalization has raised eyebrows and drawn attention to the need for improved communication protocols within the Pentagon. The responsibility for notifying officials, including the president, fell on the chief of staff, who allegedly did not fulfill this duty due to illness.
While Walter Reed Medical Center has assured the public that Austin's prostate cancer was detected early and his prognosis is excellent, there are still questions about the treatment he will receive moving forward. It has been reported that Austin developed an abscess following his surgery, which required draining. He is currently hospitalized and receiving antibiotics. The extent of his recovery and potential complications from the urologic surgery remain uncertain.
Austin's hospitalization and subsequent intensive care admission have raised concerns about his ability to fully perform his duties as Secretary of Defense. However, if he is no longer reliant on pain medication and is undergoing a milder treatment regimen, he should be able to contribute to his responsibilities remotely.
Furthermore, Austin's diagnosis highlights the higher risk of prostate cancer among African-American men. They are more likely to develop this type of cancer and have a higher mortality rate associated with it. The American Cancer Society recommends earlier screenings for African-American men, beginning at age 45 rather than the general recommendation of age 50.
The controversy surrounding the PSA test, which is commonly used for prostate cancer screening, adds another layer of complexity to the discussion. The debate revolves around finding a balance between early detection of aggressive cancers and the potential overtreatment of tumors that may not pose a significant threat. The American Cancer Society advises individuals to consult with their physicians to make an informed decision about screening.
In light of these developments, the Pentagon has initiated a 30-day review to evaluate the notification procedures and protocols surrounding similar situations. Additionally, the White House has extended this examination to other government agencies in an effort to prevent similar lapses in the future.
