U.
S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, undergoing a prostatectomy in late December 2023, according to information obtained by Fox News.
The surgical procedure, which was performed at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer.
Following the procedure, Austin was readmitted to the medical center on January 1, 2024, due to complications including a urinary tract infection, nausea, and severe pain in the abdomen, hip, and leg. Despite these complications, Walter Reed reported that Austin's recovery from the surgery was uneventful and he was discharged the next day. The hospital further stated that Austin's prostate cancer was detected early, and his prognosis is "excellent."
The undisclosed nature of Austin's medical condition and procedure has sparked controversy, prompting a Cabinet-wide review of protocols for delegating authority within the administration. Fox News' Chad Pergram reported that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks was not informed of Austin's medical procedure until recently.
Addressing the issue in a press conference on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized the importance of public trust and confidence in the Department of Defense. When questioned about Austin's reluctance to disclose his medical condition, Ryder stated that the department's staff has been in regular contact with Austin, who is "actively engaged in his duties."
Ryder did not provide specific reasons for Austin's reluctance to disclose his condition, but he acknowledged that "prostate cancer and the associated procedures are deeply personal." He also responded to questions about why Austin's personal security team did not raise awareness of the situation, calling it a "fair question."
Ryder revealed that the director of administration and management has been directed to conduct a thorough review of the situation, including the processes and procedures by which the deputy secretary of defense was notified. "So, again, we'll commit to being as transparent as we can in terms of the results of that review," Ryder added.
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