Corporate titan and the world’s third wealthiest individual, Warren Buffett, has been diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer after undergoing specific antigen blood testing. The 81-year-old magnate will commence a two-month treatment regimen, including daily radiation therapy starting in July.
Medical professionals are optimistic about Buffett’s prognosis, citing the early detection of the disease. Urological oncologist Jonathan Wright from the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance assures that Buffett’s cancer is in a highly treatable stage, with an excellent long-term prognosis.
Mark Litwin, a researcher at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, outlines radiation therapy as the standard treatment approach for Buffett’s condition. This focused beam treatment minimizes side effects, with potential mild fatigue and temporary urinary and bowel issues. Litwin emphasizes that patients can continue their daily activities while undergoing radiation therapy.
Statistics from the American Cancer Society reveal that one in six American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a 1 in 36 chance of mortality from the disease. Louis Potters, chairman of radiation medicine at North Shore-LIJ in New York, suggests that low-risk prostate cancer can be monitored without immediate treatment.
Buffett is slated to address Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on May 5 in Omaha, Nebraska, in front of 40,000 shareholders, where his illness will be disclosed. Following the diagnosis, the company has rescheduled some events involving Buffett.
The influential investor has also publicly acknowledged his condition, reassuring that he is currently feeling well.