Joe Biden was recently seen leaving a Delaware church with a visible scar on his forehead. Soon after, his office confirmed he had undergone Mohs surgery, a widely used procedure to remove skin cancer. The surgery, performed quietly, marks yet another chapter in the former president’s long history with cancer.

This comes just months after Biden revealed a far more serious health challenge, an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. While his spokesperson reassured the public that he is recovering well, the combination of two cancers in less than a year has reignited questions about cancer risk, genetics, and what it means when an individual faces multiple cancer diagnoses.

Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death in men, with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed in their lifetime. African American men face the highest risk.

Skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma, is the most common cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. Most are not deadly, but repeated exposure and recurrence are common.

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Medical experts emphasize that both cancers are highly influenced by early detection. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, regular skin checks, and prompt evaluation of symptoms like urinary changes or new skin lesions remain essential.

According to his team, Biden’s procedure was Mohs micrographic surgery, often used for basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. The technique removes thin layers of cancerous tissue until only healthy cells remain. It is effective and carries a high cure rate when the cancer is detected early.

Biden has had skin cancer treated before. In 2023, during a routine physical, doctors removed a lesion from his chest that was also identified as basal cell carcinoma. At that time, his physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor confirmed that “all cancerous tissue was successfully removed” and that no further treatment was required.

While skin cancer is common and generally treatable, its recurrence underscores the need for ongoing surveillance. For someone in Biden’s position—82 years old and already facing another major cancer diagnosis—the surgery is more than routine maintenance; it is a reminder of his heightened vulnerability.

Prostate Cancer Spread to the Bones

In May, Biden disclosed that he had been diagnosed with a metastatic form of prostate cancer. His team explained that the cancer was “hormone-sensitive,” meaning it could respond to treatment that suppresses or blocks testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, and its aggressiveness varies. Many men live for years with slow-growing forms. But when it spreads to bones, as in Biden’s case, it becomes significantly harder to control. Treatment focuses on slowing progression, relieving symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.

Biden’s diagnosis brought bipartisan responses: sympathy and calls for resilience from both Democrats and Republicans, mixed with political scrutiny over whether the timing of his disclosure was delayed. For the public, it highlighted not only the seriousness of prostate cancer but also the importance of regular screenings and early detection.

History Of Cancer in the Biden Family

Cancer is not new to the Biden family. Jill Biden, the former first lady, had two basal cell carcinomas removed in 2023. Their son Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015, a loss that has profoundly shaped Biden’s public and private life.

In a post following his prostate cancer announcement, Biden wrote, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.”

The frequency of cancer diagnoses within his family adds weight to a question many readers have: does family history of cancer increase the risk of other cancers?

Are Skin and Prostate Cancer Linked?

Medically, basal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer are not directly connected. One develops with too much sun exposure and DNA damage to skin cells; the other occurs in the prostate gland, based on age, hormones, and occasionally genetics. However, a previous history of one cancer does increase general alertness for others. Physicians point out that:

Age is the single best predictor. At age 82, Biden's immune system is less capable of fixing DNA damage that can set up cancers.

Family history might contribute to clustering of cancers, but usually of different kinds.

Lifestyle and environmental exposure—tanning and diet, for instance—are cumulative risks that can add up over a lifetime.

In short, although Biden's skin and prostate cancers are not medically related, his age, genetic makeup, and past history of cancers individually put him in a high-risk group.

Multiple Cancers in One Lifetime

Joe Biden's case represents a reality more and more people live with: surviving a first cancer does not erase the possibility of a second. As life expectancy rises and treatments improve, it is becoming increasingly normal for patients to experience two, even three separate cancers in a lifetime.

Family history counts: A robust history of any kind of cancer can increase risk for several kinds.

Screening saves lives: Prostate exams and dermatology checks can identify cancers in their earliest stages, when they are simplest to treat.

Prevention is key: Sunscreen, healthy foods, exercise, and not using tobacco and alcohol all reduce overall cancer risk.

Can Having One Cancer Increase Your Risk of Another?

Most people ask if beating one kind of cancer makes them more susceptible to others. The reply is: having had cancer can raise overall risk, but it varies with genetics, treatment, age, and lifestyle.

1. Genetic Predisposition

Some cancers have inherited mutations that target several organs. Examples include:

• BRCA1/BRCA2: Raise risk for breast, ovarian, prostate cancers.
• Lynch syndrome: Increases risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers.
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 mutations): Substantially increases the risk for a variety of cancers at an early age.

Here, one mutation can cause an individual to develop more than one form of cancer in his/her lifetime.

2. Effects of Previous Cancer or Treatment

Some cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, will modestly increase the risk of developing a subsequent cancer years down the road. This is typically balanced against the cure for the initial cancer.

3. Shared Risk Factors

Aside from a genetic connection, age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures can increase the risk for more than one cancer:

• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Sunlight exposure and skin damage
• Obesity or diet
• Chronic inflammation or compromised immune system

4. Surveillance Matters

Patients who have already had one cancer are usually followed more closely, which results in the detection of another cancer at an early stage. Routine checkups, screenings, and self-exams are essential.

Having survived one cancer does not mean one is safe from others, but prevention, awareness, and early detection drastically lower risk. Such instances as Joe Biden's, where prostate cancer preceded skin cancer, underscore how a lifetime of vigilance and a doctor's guidance is necessary for a cancer survivor.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to collaborate on advancing research in space medicine.

The MoU was signed between M Srinivas, Director (AIIMS), New Delhi and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO. The event brought together senior leadership from AIIMS and ISRO, including ISRO Chairman V Narayanan and Secretary, Department of Space, as well as Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and studies from AIIMS New Delhi.

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As per the news agency Asian News International (ANI), a press release of the collaboration noted for a cooperative framework for ground-based and space-based research in Space Medicine. The press release also noted that the research will cover areas like human physiology, cardiovascular and autonomic regulation, musculoskeletal health in microgravity, microbiome and immunology, genomics and biomarkers and behavioral health.

“This MoU will give us the escape velocity to venture together into the field of space medicine. Collaborative research between AIIMS and ISRO will benefit patients, the nation, and ultimately humankind. As India moves toward Viksit Bharat by 2047, we hope to emerge as a Vishwaguru in space medicine as well,” said Prof M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Chairman of ISRO Dr V Narayanan and Secretary, Department of Space also highlighted India’s remarkable journey in space programme. He noted how India evolved from the time when rockets and equipment were transported on bicycles and bullock carts to today, where it is going to be leading medical and research institutions like AIIMS to strengthen India’s human spaceflight capabilities.

The programme also featured a presentation on AIIMS New Delhi’s ongoing work in space medicine research, delivered by Prof. KK Deepak, former Head of the Department of Physiology. The event was attended by Heads of Departments and faculty members from across AIIMS New Delhi, along with representatives from the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), the AIIMS Student Association (ASA), and the Society of Young Scientists (SYS).

The collaboration represents an important step toward enhancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and biomedical research. It also aligns with the country’s broader scientific ambitions as India moves toward its centenary in 2047 and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Read: Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years: Health Challenges She Faced After Spending 600+ Days in Space

What Do We Already Know About Space Medicine?

As per a 2017 study in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, space medicine is fundamental to the human exploration of space. It supports survival, function and performance in this challenging as potentially lethal environment. It is international, intercultural and interdisciplinary, operating at the boundaries of exploration, science, technology and medicine.

Space medicine specialists play a crucial role in safeguarding astronauts and other spaceflight participants. Known as “flight surgeons,” they help develop strategies to protect the health, safety, and performance of space travellers in the extreme conditions of space. Their responsibilities span every stage of a mission — from selection and training to in-flight care, post-mission rehabilitation, and monitoring long-term health effects.

With inputs from ANI

Sick days are again piling up with a respiratory disease, not COVID-19 or the flu. This disease is most likely the one Americans have not heard of. This is HMPV or human metapneumovirus. Doctors have asked people to stay vigilant as seasonal flu virus could lead to pneumonia and bronchitis, and it is spreading in California wastewater and around the country. However, as per public health officials, there is nothing to get worried at this point.

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As per the public database WasterwaterScan Dashboard, high levels of HMPV were detected across Northern California cities. The highest levels were reported in Redwood City, whereas elevated levels were found in San Francisco Bay Area and Napa's Wine Country. What's more dangerous is that this virus is without a vaccine.

The good news is that in other parts of country HMPV remains lower. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that data from October 2025 shows the cases are trending up, especially during winter and spring.

Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, as reported by The Independent said, "In the late winter, early spring, it can account for five percent to 10 percent of all the respiratory infections that we diagnose in the United States. So it's definitely out there." Experts explain that other viruses like HMPV or influenza get a chance when COVID is quieter.

Read: HMPV Virus Cases Surging In California, New Jersey: Is It Dangerous?

Virus Without A Vaccine: What Is HMPV?

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

HMPV most likely spreads from an infected person to others through:

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes

In the US, HMPV circulates in predictable patterns each year, typically beginning in winter and lasting through spring.

The usually self-limiting and mild symptoms typically last 4 to 5 days. These include:

• cough
• fever
• nasal congestion
• shortness of breath

People at risk include:

• elderly people
• children
• people with comorbidities

"The HMPV is not deadly, and there is no evidence of mortality or a severe transmission rate," former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, told IANS, during the virus's outbreak in India in 2025.

“The virus may cause pneumonitis-like illness, but the mortality rates are almost unknown so far. HMPV has a global prevalence of about 4 per cent,” he added.

While no vaccine or treatment can prevent HMPV infection, to avoid the infection, individuals must:

Practice good hygiene and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or use your elbow, not your hands, for it. And wash your hands properly, especially in healthcare settings.

Why Are People Hearing About The Virus Without Vaccine Now?

The reason people have not heard about it before is because its symptoms are nearly indistinguishable from other respiratory infections, so often it could go undiagnosed. Furthermore, earlier the COVID cases and influenza cases sparked up, which deviated the attention from HMPV. Now, with the season gone, and increased awareness around respiratory illnesses, greater attention to viruses like HMPV is also paid.

One in seven Indians, or over 14 percent of the population, suffers from some form of mental health disorder. Amid an increasing treatment gap -- up to 90 percent -- seen in several states, especially in North India, the government today reiterated the plan of launching a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in the northern states.

NIMHANS-2 was first announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2026-27, to deliver specialized care for mental health and neurological disorders in north India.

Health experts and policymakers, as part of the government-led Post-Budget Webinar series, highlighted the growing burden of mental and neurological disorders in India and also stressed the urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity to meet emerging healthcare demands.

"One in seven Indians is affected by mental health disorders, while several states continue to face a treatment gap ranging from 70 to 90 percent," the experts said.

Noting that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for over 60 percent of deaths in the country, they added that "neurological and mental health conditions are among the leading contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)," among the citizens.

Need For Tertiary Neuro-psychiatric Care

To address these, the experts called for ramping up tertiary mental health institutions and expanding specialized services.

The session, moderated by Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted that North India currently lacks adequate tertiary neuro-psychiatric care facilities. These include areas such as:

• advanced neuroimaging,
• neurocritical care,
• specialized neurological services

Further, making a virtual address at the Post-Budget Webinar, Union Health Minister JP Nadda also highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening mental healthcare services in the country.

"NIMHANS-2 will be established in North India to expand advanced clinical care, training, and research," Nadda said.

"In addition, the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, and the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, will be upgraded as regional apex institutions to strengthen mental healthcare services in the eastern and north-eastern regions," he added.

Meanwhile, the experts also stressed the need to improve services in underserved and geographically remote regions, including the northeastern states, through better infrastructure, capacity building, and targeted deployment of trained mental health professionals.

They also discussed strategies for expanding advanced neuro-psychiatric care and reinforcing India’s overall mental healthcare ecosystem. They proposed:

• Adopting a hub-and-spoke model supported by digital health platforms

This would allow tertiary institutions and centers of excellence to provide technical guidance, specialist consultations, and clinical support to district hospitals and community-level health facilities.

"Such a model would strengthen referral pathways and ensure that specialized mental health services are accessible to people even in remote and rural areas," the experts said.

• Integrating services under Tele-MANAS

Both existing and upcoming campuses of NIMHANS must be integrated , as this will enable a robust nationwide tele-mental health network that ensures

• timely counselling,
• psychological support,
• specialist consultations

• Digital follow-up systems

The experts called for the seamless integration of healthcare facilities, aligned with the vision of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the ABHA ID ecosystem. This, they said, will

• enable continuity of care,
• Improve monitoring of patients,
• Lead to better clinical outcomes

• A national Brain-Mind Cloud Network

The Network proposed under the National Health Mission would connect premier institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), state medical colleges, and primary healthcare centers through a digitally integrated platform.

It could also facilitate

• unified mental health records,
• AI-based screening tools,
• data-driven clinical decision support systems,
• tele-neuro-psychiatric hubs at regional centers.