US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure last month to treat prostate cancer, and his prognosis is excellent, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center officials said in a statement released by the Pentagon.
"As part of Secretary Austin’s routinely recommended health screening, he has undergone regular prostate specific antigen (PSA) surveillance. Changes in his laboratory evaluation in early December 2023 identified prostate cancer which required treatment," the statement said. "His prostate cancer was detected early, and his prognosis is excellent."
According to Walter Reed officials, Austin's hospitalization in early January occurred due to complications following his surgery in late December to treat his cancer. His infection has cleared and he continues to make progress toward a full recovery, but the process may be slow, officials added.
During the December 22 procedure, the secretary was under general anesthesia. Austin recovered uneventfully from his surgery and returned home the next morning, the statement said.
During his January stay in the hospital, Secretary Austin never lost consciousness and never underwent general anesthesia, the statement added.