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| - Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that Israeli PM Netanyahu is suffering from prostate cancer. Our fact check reveals this claim is false.
The Claim
A few social media posts (from X and Instagram) recently claimed that the head of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s medical team announced that Netanyahu had been diagnosed with grade 3 prostate cancer.
Fact Check
Did Netanyahu’s medical team confirm a cancer diagnosis?
No, Netanyahu’s medical team has not confirmed a cancer diagnosis. The director of the urology department at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center, Ofer Gofrit, publicly stated that Netanyahu’s surgery on December 29, 2024, went well and that there was “no suspicion” of malignancy or cancer. This directly contradicts the claim of a cancer diagnosis.
What was Netanyahu’s actual medical condition?
Netanyahu’s medical condition was related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This condition is common in older men and can cause urinary issues but does not involve cancer. Netanyahu underwent surgery to remove his prostate as a result of this benign enlargement. His office confirmed this diagnosis, further debunking the cancer claim.
Why would a cancer diagnosis be publicly known?
If Netanyahu had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, particularly a high-grade cancer like grade 3, it would have been widely reported in the media. Health updates concerning high-profile figures like Netanyahu are typically publicised, especially when it involves a serious condition like cancer. However, no credible news outlets or official statements have reported that Netanyahu has been diagnosed with cancer.
What did Netanyahu’s office and medical team say?
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement confirming that he was treated for a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostate enlargement. Additionally, Netanyahu’s medical team confirmed that the surgery was related to BPH, not cancer.
Is prostate cancer common in older men?
Yes, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in older men. However, not all prostate issues are cancerous. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition that affects many men as they age. BPH can cause symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder but is not cancerous.
What are the risks of spreading unreliable health claims?
Spreading false health claims can lead to unnecessary worry and confusion. In this case, the claim about Netanyahu having cancer could cause concern among the public and his supporters. It’s crucial to verify the facts and rely on trusted, official sources to ensure the information is accurate.
Claims on social media should always be approached with caution, especially when they lack proof or credible sources. While these posts may spread quickly online, they often do so without reliable evidence or official confirmation. For example, we previously debunked a similar claim about Netanyahu’s health, where an AI-manipulated image falsely showed him on a ventilator. Similarly, we encountered another post claiming that Elon Musk was endorsing a cure for erectile dysfunction and prostatitis, a remedy from Barbara O’Neill. To avoid spreading misinformation, always double-check health-related information with trusted sources.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Israeli PM Netanyahu is suffering from prostate cancer is false. Official statements from Netanyahu’s office and his medical team confirm that he underwent surgery for a benign prostate enlargement, not cancer. There was no suspicion of malignancy, and no credible evidence supports the claim of a cancer diagnosis.
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