US Defense Secretary discharged from hospital days after revealing he had cancer

The U.S. Secretary of Defense announced Lloyd Austin He was released from the hospital after being treated for complications from prostate cancer, a case that sparked controversy because he initially hid his medical condition from the White House and Congress.

“I am grateful for the excellent care I received at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and I want to thank the outstanding doctors and nursing staff for their professionalism and strong support,” Austin said in a statement Monday.

He continued: “As I continue to recover and fulfill my duties at home, I look forward to a full recovery and return home as soon as possible.” Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense).

Austin (70), who has served in the military throughout his career and is known for being extremely private, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early December last year and subsequently underwent surgery under full anesthesia on the 22nd of the same month.

On January 1, he was transferred to the hospital again due to complications from a urinary tract infection.

But the White House did not learn of Austin's hospitalization until January 4, and notified Congress a day later.The president doesn't know Joe Biden His defense secretary was not diagnosed with cancer until the 9th of this month.

Austin's concealment of his medical condition violated protocol adopted in similar cases, especially at a time when Washington has played a major role in several crises because of its support for Israel Gaza warand supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces.

White House chief of staff Jeff Zients has called for an urgent review of rules for situations in which senior U.S. officials are unable to carry out their duties.

The Pentagon's independent inspector general also announced an investigation to “examine the roles, mechanisms, responsibilities and actions related to the Secretary of Defense's transfer to the hospital between December 2023 and January 2024.”

Doctors at Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland said Austin underwent tests and non-surgical interventions to treat health issues, including leg pain, and that he did not require further cancer treatment.

The doctors added, “Secretary Austin's prostate cancer was treated early and effectively and his health report is excellent. He will not receive further treatment beyond regular post-prostatectomy checkups.”