Prostate Cancer One-Ups Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett announces he has stage 1 prostate cancer

(RxWiki News) One of the world's best business men and investors, Warren Buffet, has announced that he has early prostate cancer.

Writing to shareholders of his investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway, 81-year-old Buffet said that the "condition is not remotely life-threatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way."

The cancer was discovered after a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test that showed his levels had jumped significantly. A biopsy was performed that confirmed the diagnosis.

The legendary investor went on to say that additional tests revealed that the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate.

Beginning in mid-July, Buffett will begin two months of daily radiation treatments. The treatment will prevent him from his usual globe trotting, however, won't slow him down otherwise. He said he plans to maintain his daily schedule.

"I feel great -- as if I were in my normal excellent health -- and my energy level is 100%," wrote Buffett.

"I will let shareholders know immediately should my health situation change. Eventually, of course, it will; but I believe that day is a long way off," he said.

Prostate cancer can be a slow growing tumor that requires little or no treatment beyond active monitoring. 

The sudden jump in PSA levels suggested that the disease had developed. While some men choose to undergo surgery to remove the prostate, a procedure known as a prostatectomy, Buffett's choice for radiation therapy is another effective treatment option.

The outlook for men diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer is excellent, with nearly 100 percent of men still alive five years after diagnosis.

Buffett was diagnosed last Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

Review Date: 
April 16, 2012