Joe Biden, the former President of the United States, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has tragically spread to his bones. This official news was shared by his office, revealing that the diagnosis came after he consulted a doctor for urinary symptoms. Interestingly, a leading urologist suggests that it’s possible Biden may have had this cancer for a considerable time.
Biden, who at 82 years holds the record as the oldest individual to have presided over the United States, withdrew from the 2024 election due to concerns about his age and health. Following his departure from the White House in January, he and his wife, Jill Biden, returned to their home in Greenville, Delaware.
Biden’s health has been a topic of concern among both his political rivals and fellow Democrats as he considered a second term run. Sadly, this concern materialized when it was revealed that he has prostate cancer, which came to light after a recent check-up for urinary difficulties.
The prostate cancer impacting Joe Biden is characterized as more aggressive than usual. With a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, it’s considered high grade, indicating the potential for rapid spread, according to Cancer Research UK. Despite its aggressive nature, Biden’s team has pointed out that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for possible management.
In a statement, Biden’s office explained the situation: “President Joe Biden was evaluated for a prostate nodule last week after an increase in urinary symptoms. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, identified by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) and metastatic spread to the bone. While aggressive, this form of cancer seems to be hormone-sensitive, providing a path for effective management.”
Support has poured in for Biden from all corners, including former colleagues and political foes. Even President Donald Trump, despite previous criticisms of Biden, sent a heartfelt message via his social media platform Truth Social, expressing sympathy and wishing Biden a swift recovery on behalf of himself and First Lady Melania Trump.
Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer
Kamala Harris, Biden’s former vice president, extended her support too. She shared her thoughts on X, expressing confidence in Biden’s fighting spirit and resilience, qualities that have always been part of his personal and political narrative.
From serving admirably as Vice President under Barack Obama between 2009 and 2017, Biden has continued to have strong connections with him. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, shared supportive words for Biden and his family, lauding his relentless pursuit of cancer treatment advancements and affirming their prayers for his recovery.
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also expressed his concern and well wishes for Biden’s speedy and successful treatment, emphasizing the gravity of the situation from across the Atlantic.
With the details of Biden’s condition now public, questions arise about its severity and potential for a cure. Dr William Dahut from the American Cancer Society remarked to the BBC that once cancer reaches the bones, complete cure is generally unlikely. However, he also assured that with treatment, patients often respond well and can live a fulfilled life for many years.
Expert says it’s “inconceivable” that Joe Biden’s cancer wasn’t caught earlier
This revelation prompts reflections on what might have been had Biden remained in office. Additionally, it raises questions about the medical examinations Biden underwent during his presidency. Dr Howie Forman from Yale, an expert in radiology and public health, questions how such advanced cancer was not detected sooner. He noted that the elevated PSA levels associated with a Gleason score of 9 would typically have been noticeable well before this diagnosis.
Forman pondered the possibility of oversight during Biden’s prior screenings or consistent normal results until his later year, while expressing hopes for Biden’s optimized quality of life going forward.
Fox News’ senior medical analyst, Dr. Marc Siegel, echoed these questions regarding earlier detection. He emphasized the common practice of screening men over 45 for prostate cancer, suggesting that earlier intervention might have been feasible.
Biden ‘could have had cancer for a long time,’ says urologist
Another specialist proposed that it’s quite plausible Biden’s cancer was developing unnoticed for an extended period. Dr David Shusterman, a practicing urologist, noted the high caliber of medical care available to Biden and suggested that such cancer could indeed take years to reach its current advanced stage.
In light of this, US Rep. Greg Murphy, a practicing urologist himself, emphasized that it’s conceivable Biden only became aware of his condition last week. Murphy stressed the importance of refraining from assumptions and political conjecture in favor of focusing on Biden’s health journey.
With warm thoughts, prayers, and hopes for Joe Biden’s swift recovery, the focus remains on sending support and positive energy his way as he navigates this challenging period.
