Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin undergoes treatment for prostate cancer
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin receives treatment for prostate cancer, as confirmed by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is currently undergoing treatment, as confirmed by a statement from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday. The cancer was detected in early December and he underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as a prostatectomy on December 22 to address the issue.
"He underwent the procedure under general anesthesia. Secretary Austin had a smooth recovery after the surgery and was able to return home the following morning. The statement mentioned that his early detection of prostate cancer had led to an excellent prognosis. It was not previously known that Austin had been under anesthesia for the procedure, as the Pentagon had not disclosed this information to the White House."
The Pentagon had faced scrutiny after it was disclosed on Friday that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been admitted to Walter Reed on January 1 and hospitalized for days without the public being informed. Furthermore, senior national security officials, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, were not aware of Austin's hospitalization until three days after he was admitted. Austin was readmitted to the hospital on January 1 due to complications such as severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain, as well as nausea. It was later determined that he had a urinary tract infection.
When asked about Austin's decision not to disclose his prostate cancer diagnosis, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder described the situation as "deeply personal." Ryder emphasized that the nature of prostate cancer and its related procedures are confidential. He also stated that the Pentagon will strive to be transparent in the future and wished the secretary a speedy recovery during a news briefing on Tuesday.
During the final eight days of Austin's treatment for the infection at Walter Reed, he remained conscious and did not require general anesthesia. Ryder did not mention whether the secretary's travel plans would be impacted by the procedure or any potential complications. However, he confirmed that Austin is actively carrying out his responsibilities and maintaining regular communication with his staff.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
