Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pope Leo Has Part Of Right Lung Removed After Surgeons Find Cancer
AP: Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed With Lung Cancer After Surgery To Remove Part Of Right Lung
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery Tuesday that confirmed he has lung cancer and doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin after the surgery. It said the diagnosis had been suspected by preoperative tests and was confirmed during surgery. (Winfield and Barry, 10/13)
The New York Times: Pope Leo’s Cancer Surgery Draws Outpouring From World Leaders
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, said that he and his wife were praying for the pope. “May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father,” he wrote. Some said the pope’s illness should be a reminder to pray for others who have cancer or to get screenings themselves. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged people to pray not only for the pope but also for his caregivers. (Livni, 10/13)
The Washington Post: What To Know About Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that can affect various organs. It is the most common subtype of lung cancer. It is often found in smokers but can also occur in people who have never smoked. Other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to radon gas, asbestos or second-hand smoke. (Wu, 10/14)
The Conversation: Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Highlights Growing Number Of Nonsmokers Diagnosed With The Disease – And Younger People, Too
News about Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis sparked discussion about increasing rates of the disease among people who have never smoked. Leo reportedly is not a smoker. Potential causes for the disease include environmental exposures and genetics, and recognizing the diverse factors that can increase someone’s risk of lung cancer – regardless of their smoking history – is essential for timely and appropriate screening and treatment. (Rodriguez, 10/13)
The New York Times: Leo XIV’S Lung Cancer Diagnosis Tests The Assumption Of A Long Papacy
When Leo XIV was elected pope less than 18 months ago, he seemed to have years ahead of him to shape the Roman Catholic church. At 69, he was young by recent papal standards, and the faithful marveled at his energy and apparently robust health. He was known to play tennis regularly and had no reported medical problems. He reintroduced summer vacations to make sure he remained fresh and rested. Leo, the first pope born in the United States, marked a break from his predecessor, Francis, who started his papacy at age 76 but had already had a lung condition at a young age. (Rich, 10/13)
CBS News: Pope Leo XIV's Brother Louis Prevost Also Battling Cancer, Wife Tells CBS News
Louis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV's older brother who lives in Florida, has multiple myeloma, his wife told CBS News on Tuesday. The news comes amid the Vatican's earlier announcement that the pope has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery to remove a nodular lesion from his right lung. Deborah Prevost did not share what stage Louis' cancer is in but said he's currently in a clinical trial at a local hospital where he's being treated. (Benavides, 10/13)
