The Prime Minister's Office published today (Friday) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's annual health report, signed by his medical team.
The report states: "On December 29, 2024, the Prime Minister underwent surgical treatment for benign prostate enlargement. The procedure was successful and without any complications.".
However, a follow-up examination a few months ago revealed that there was a malignant tumor, in an early stage, of prostate cancer: "An MRI examination performed as part of routine follow-up after surgery demonstrated a tiny focus, less than a centimeter, with suspicious characteristics in the prostate.
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""Another test proved that this was indeed an accidental discovery and an early stage of prostate cancer. This is an early detection of a tiny lesion, without metastases, as all other tests proved beyond a doubt. In lesions of this type, close monitoring alone or short, focused radiation therapy can be continued. The Prime Minister chose the option of treatment" - and underwent radiation therapy.".
It was also stated: "The treatment, managed by Prof. Aharon Popovtser together with Dr. Mark Vigoda and Dr. Shraga Gross, was completely successful with the complete disappearance of the lesion, as proven by all imaging (X-ray) and laboratory tests.".
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Prof. Aharon Popovtser said after the report was revealed: "I direct the oncology department at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Several months ago, as part of a completely routine follow-up, a 0.9-centimeter finding was accidentally discovered in the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister underwent a comprehensive examination and it turned out that this was a disease in a very early stage. It is important to note that this is a very common disease, most common among patients over the age of 70.
""After the Prime Minister underwent a complete, comprehensive examination, the Prime Minister was presented with two treatment options, as is customary. The first option was monitoring only, and the second option was radiation therapy. The Prime Minister chose the second option and underwent modern, focused radiation therapy at Hadassah Hospital two and a half months ago.
""At the end of the treatment, after about two and a half months, the Prime Minister underwent a check-up that included imaging and blood tests. We can say based on the findings of these tests that the disease has disappeared. There is no evidence of the disease. The Prime Minister will continue with routine, standard monitoring as is customary.".
The report further states: "The pacemaker that was implanted in 2023 has never required operation. The heart rate is normal (about 60 beats per minute)." It also states that Netanyahu underwent a stress test this year, as part of a monitoring routine, "which was found to be normal and in the top decile of his peers.".
""Blood tests performed as part of routine monitoring are completely normal," the prime minister's medical team added. According to the doctors, "Netanyahu maintains a regular exercise routine and his physical condition is excellent.".
Netanyahu himself admitted to the X network that he had asked to delay the publication of the report by two months.
""Today my annual medical report was published. I asked to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be published at the height of the war, in order to not allow the terrorist regime in Iran to spread more false propaganda against Israel.".
""I would like to share three things with you: 1 - Thank God, I am healthy. 2 - I am in excellent physical shape. 3 - I had a small medical problem with my prostate that was completely treated. Thank God, it is behind me.
""A year and a half ago I underwent successful surgery for a benign enlarged prostate and since then I have been under routine medical follow-up. During the last follow-up, a tiny spot of less than a centimeter was discovered in the prostate. The examination revealed that it was a very early stage of a malignant tumor, without any spread or metastasis.
""The doctors told me that it is very common among people my age, and that there are two options: 1 - it doesn't have to be treated, you can just stay under observation. You can live with it, and many do. 2 - undergo treatment and remove the problem. You already know me. When I am given timely information about a possible danger, I want to treat it immediately. This is true on a national level as well as a personal level.
""That's what I did. I underwent targeted treatment that removed the problem and left no trace of it. I got a few short treatments, read a book, and continued working. The stain disappeared completely. Thank God I overcame that too.
""I would like to thank the wonderful doctors and medical staff of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. From you, citizens of Israel, I have only one request: take care of your health. Get tested, and listen to the doctors' instructions. And from here, on Shabbat Eve, I pray for the peace of our wounded in body and soul, and send them a warm hug and complete recovery in your name. Shabbat Shalom.".
