US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will undergo an elective bloodless medical procedure today related to his diagnosis of prostate cancer, reported Reuters, cited by BTA, referring to a Pentagon statement.
The US Department of War has clarified that he will temporarily be unable to perform his duties, which will be assumed by his deputy, Kathleen Hicks.
Austin's diagnosis was reported earlier this year by the Associated Press, with his secret hospitalization at the time being for surgery and later for treatment of a urinary tract infection related to that surgery.