- The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
- Following the diagnosis, Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung at a Rome hospital.
Pope Leo XIV recently underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung after being diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a prevalent form of lung cancer. The Vatican's announcement raised significant concerns regarding the pope's health, particularly as adenocarcinoma is often linked to smoking, though it can also affect non-smokers.
According to Raja Flores, chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System, if lung cancer is detected early, surgical removal of the tumor can lead to favorable long-term survival rates. He noted, “I’ve had patients run marathons afterwards.” However, there remains a risk of recurrence, with patients typically undergoing CT scans every six months post-surgery.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that around 128,000 people in the U.S. died from lung cancer in 2024, with a five-year relative survival rate of approximately 30%. For localized cases, this rate improves to around 60%. Experts emphasize the importance of quitting smoking and regular screenings, particularly for individuals aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking, as lung cancer often develops without symptoms.
The Vatican's announcement highlights the critical nature of early detection and treatment in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients, underscoring the need for ongoing health monitoring for Pope Leo XIV.
“The Vatican said the pope has pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, and underwent surgery to remove a portion of his lung. The announcement raised new concerns about Pope Leo XIV's health early in his papacy.”
