Jimmy Carter's Cancer Has Spread to His Brain

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced on Thursday, August 29, that he will begin radiation therapy to treat cancerous cells found in various parts of his brain. In a press conference, Carter stated, "I will start my first session of radiation therapy this afternoon." He spoke candidly about his cancer diagnosis and explained how he plans to reduce his activities at the Carter Center. Carter, who was surrounded by family and friends during the press conference, mentioned that it was initially believed he only had cancer in the liver and that the surgery performed earlier this month had removed all cancerous cells. However, post-surgery MRI scans revealed that there were also cancerous tissues in his brain. Carter added, "At first, I thought I had only a few weeks left to live, but surprisingly, I was not worried. I have had a very good life." The 90-year-old former president announced on August 12 that his liver surgery had shown that cancer cells had spread to other parts of his body, but it is still unclear which organs are affected. His doctors indicated that they would choose a treatment method based on the discovery of cancer cells in other organs. Carter's father, brother, and two sisters all died from pancreatic cancer, and his mother also suffered from cancer. At that time, Carter stated that no cancerous tissues were found in his pancreas. The Associated Press notes that Carter's health and medical status have been closely monitored by doctors this year. He canceled his trip to oversee elections in Guyana in May, with his spokesperson stating that he was feeling a bit unwell, and later, Carter mentioned he had a severe cold. Early in August, news of Carter's liver surgery was announced, and on August 12, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Carter, who was relatively unknown in national politics, won the presidency in 1976 by defeating Gerald Ford and became the 39th President of the United States. However, several international crises, particularly the hostage crisis of American embassy staff in Tehran, led to his heavy defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election. Since then, Carter has engaged in humanitarian political activities, and the Carter Center works on international issues such as public health and democracy development in various countries. Carter played a significant role in resolving North Korean nuclear tensions and preventing the U.S. military occupation of Haiti, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He and his wife, Rosalynn, remain actively involved in Carter Center meetings and foreign trips. He teaches every Sunday at a church-affiliated school in his city. According to church officials, Carter intends to attend his class this Sunday.