President Biden’s past health exams showed no signs of prostate cancer, yet he’s now diagnosed with an aggressive form that has spread.

Recent Diagnosis Raises Concerns Over Missed Detection

Recent disclosures have revealed that President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, despite years of official health evaluations showing no indication of the disease. According to statements from his office, Biden’s condition was discovered following recent urinary symptoms and subsequent testing.

Medical reports released during his presidency in 2021, 2023, and 2024 described Biden as a healthy and vigorous man, fit for the responsibilities of the presidency. His physician noted issues such as a stiffened gait and routine skin cancer removals, but prostate cancer was not identified or suspected in any of the three comprehensive assessments.

The most recent report from February 2024 reaffirmed Biden’s general good health, noting only moderate to severe arthritic changes and continued peripheral neuropathy in his feet. None of the documents indicated abnormalities in his prostate health, and his last known prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test reportedly dates back to 2014.

With his office confirming the diagnosis on May 18, concerns have emerged about how such a severe form of the disease—characterized by a Gleason score of 9 and metastasis to the bone—went undetected for so long. Medical experts have reportedly expressed shock over the absence of earlier detection, particularly given the disease’s progression and Biden’s age.

Despite the severity of the condition, the cancer is described as hormone-sensitive, which could allow for effective treatment options. Biden’s team has stated that he and his family are actively consulting with medical professionals to determine the best course of action.

Throughout his presidency, Biden’s health evaluations were handled by his long-time physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who has attended to him since 2009. Their relationship, built over more than a decade, included both routine care and support during family medical crises, including the illness of Biden’s late son, Beau.

In his most recent public remarks, Biden thanked the public for their support. “Cancer touches us all,” he stated. “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.”

As the president begins exploring treatment options, questions continue to surface regarding the sufficiency of past medical screenings and the timeliness of cancer detection at the highest levels of government.