"Controversy Surrounds Defense Secretary Austin's Prostate Cancer Treatment"

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure called a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer, which was discovered in early December. The Pentagon had not previously disclosed the surgery and did not alert the White House to it. Austin was also hospitalized for complications including a urinary tract infection, which was not disclosed until recently. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that the situation was "deeply personal" and wished the secretary a speedy recovery.