After consultation with medical staff, Secretary Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center today.
The Secretary’s condition continues to improve and, on the advice of doctors, he will perform his duties remotely for a period of time as he recovers before returning to the Pentagon full-time. He has full access to the necessary secure communications capabilities.
Dr. John Maddox, Trauma Medical Director, and Dr. Gregory Chesnutt, Director of the Prostate Disease Research Center at the Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, provided the following statement regarding Secretary of Defense Lloyd. J. Medical conditions and treatment of Austin III:
Secretary Austin has made good progress throughout his stay and his strength is regaining. During his stay he underwent a series of medical tests and evaluations and received non-surgical care to address his medical needs, including resolution of some long-standing leg pain. He was discharged home after planned physical therapy and regular follow-up. It is expected that the Secretary will make a full recovery.
Secretary Austin’s prostate cancer was treated quickly and effectively, and his prognosis is excellent. He has no plans to treat his cancer other than regular post-prostatectomy monitoring.
Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in American men, and it affects 1 in every 8 men – and 1 in every 6 African American men – during their lifetime. Early detection and treatment when treated with appropriate individualized care plans can result in near 100% survival. Early screening is important for prostate cancer detection and treatment and people should talk to their doctors to see which screening is appropriate for them.
