Health Status Report: A Case Study in the Context of Sustainable Development Goal 3

1.0 Introduction: Health and Well-being as a Global Priority

• This report details the recent health developments concerning former President Joe Biden, framing them within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being.
• The case highlights the critical importance of access to advanced diagnostics, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a core component of SDG 3.

2.0 Medical Status and Treatment Protocol

The former president’s medical care plan addresses multiple health challenges, underscoring the complexities of managing NCDs in an aging population, a key concern for achieving SDG 3 targets.

2.1 Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Management

1. Diagnosis: In May, an aggressive form of prostate cancer with metastasis was diagnosed. This situation underscores the importance of Target 3.4 of the SDGs, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment.
2. Current Treatment Phase: The patient is undergoing a new phase of treatment involving a five-week course of radiation therapy.
3. Ongoing Therapy: This is supplemented by a pill-form hormone medication, demonstrating a multi-modal approach to cancer care essential for improving health outcomes as envisioned by SDG 3.

2.2 Dermatological Cancer Treatment

• Procedure: The former president recently underwent Mohs surgery for skin cancer, following a similar successful procedure in 2023.
• Outcome: The procedure was successful in removing all cancerous tissue, with physicians stating that no further treatment was required for this specific issue. This successful intervention showcases the effectiveness of accessible, specialized medical procedures in managing NCDs.

3.0 Public Health Implications and SDG 3 Alignment

This case serves as an important reference point for public health discussions related to cancer screening, early detection, and universal access to healthcare, all of which are central to the mission of SDG 3.

• Early Detection and Screening: The diagnosis of metastatic cancer raises questions about screening protocols for older adults. The American Cancer Society’s recommendations highlight the need for consistent public health messaging and accessible screening programs to support early detection, a cornerstone of effective NCD management under SDG 3.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: The comprehensive treatment plan, including radiation, hormone therapy, and specialized surgery, exemplifies the high standard of care necessary to combat NCDs. Achieving SDG Target 3.8 (Universal Health Coverage) is critical to ensure that such quality essential health-care services are available to all populations, not just prominent individuals.
• Promoting Well-being: The former president’s condition and treatment journey bring public attention to cancer, a disease that affects millions globally. This visibility can help reduce stigma and promote health-seeking behaviors, contributing to the broader goal of promoting health and well-being for all ages.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article is entirely focused on health issues, specifically the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It discusses medical procedures, treatment plans, and health management for a non-communicable disease (NCD), which directly aligns with the core objective of SDG 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

  The article details the “treatment plan for prostate cancer,” including “radiation therapy and hormone treatment,” as well as “skin cancer treatment known as Mohs surgery.” These are direct examples of treatment for non-communicable diseases (cancer) aimed at managing the illness and preventing mortality, which is the central theme of Target 3.4.

• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

  The article implicitly addresses this target by highlighting access to advanced and essential healthcare services. The mention of specific procedures like Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, hormone medication, and routine physical exams that led to the removal of a cancerous lesion demonstrates access to quality healthcare. Furthermore, the discussion about the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for prostate cancer screening touches upon the provision and accessibility of preventative health services, a key component of universal health coverage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.

  While the article does not provide statistical data, its subject matter is the management of an “aggressive form of prostate cancer that had already metastasized.” Cancer is one of the four diseases explicitly measured by this indicator. The article’s focus on treating a life-threatening NCD directly relates to the efforts aimed at reducing the mortality rate tracked by this indicator.

• Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services.

  The article implies this indicator by listing several essential health services that were utilized. These include “prostate cancer screening,” “routine physical exam,” “skin lesion removed,” “Mohs surgery,” “radiation therapy,” and “hormone treatment.” These specific medical interventions are examples of the types of services whose coverage is measured by Indicator 3.8.1 to assess progress towards universal health coverage.

4. Summary Table

Source: nbcnews.com