- Expert says former President Joe Biden likely knew about his aggressive prostate cancer years before it became public.
- The cancerโs slow development and treatment options offer hope despite its aggressiveness.
- Officials and doctors urge respect and caution, asking to avoid political speculation about Bidenโs health.
On Friday, former President Joe Bidenโs office revealed that he has aggressive prostate cancer. This news surprised many and led to speculation about when Biden might have learned about his illness. Some people wonder if he knew while still in the White House, especially during his second term. Others call for empathy and support for the 82-year-old, reminding everyone that health issues can affect anyone, even presidents. The announcement raised many questions about the timing and transparency of the diagnosis.
Urologist Explains Why Biden Might Have Known About Cancer for Years
Dr. David Shusterman, a urologist with experience in prostate cancer, believes Biden probably knew about his cancer for some time. He explained that the type of cancer Biden has usually takes years to develop and spread. Dr. Shusterman said this kind of metastatic prostate cancer often appears in patients who do not get medical care for many years and suddenly show up with bone pain. But Biden had access to the best healthcare while president. This makes it possible he or his doctors had some idea about the cancer earlier than the public knows. The slow growth of this cancer means it does not just appear overnight.
Details from Bidenโs Office Show Aggressive but Treatable Cancer
Bidenโs team gave more information about his illness on Sunday. They said the cancer has spread to his bones but could respond well to hormone therapy. His cancer has a Gleason score of 9, which shows it is very aggressive. This score measures how likely cancer is to grow and spread quickly. Dr. Shusterman said it is rare today to find prostate cancer at such an advanced stage because modern medicine usually catches it early. The fact that Bidenโs cancer was only recently made public adds to the mystery around his health.
Timing of the Announcement Draws Political Suspicion from Media
Leland Vittert, a NewsNation host, noted the timing of the cancer announcement seems suspicious. The news came just before a new book challenges Bidenโs mental health during his presidency. Vittert wondered if Bidenโs doctors missed the cancer or if the White House kept it secret. He questioned whether Bidenโs health problems affected his 2024 presidential campaign. Biden dropped out of the race after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump. Vittert said in politics, people care more about what is hidden than what actually happened. He predicted intense public interest and debate in the coming weeks.
Republican Congressman Warns Against Political Speculation on Bidenโs Health
U.S. Representative Greg Murphy, a Republican and urologist who treats prostate cancer patients, urged caution before jumping to conclusions. Murphy said it is possible Biden only recently found out about his cancer. He explained that prostate cancer tests like PSA levels sometimes give misleading results. A rectal exam is also needed to detect cancer, but it might not have been done. Murphy called on Americans to avoid politicizing the situation. He said many patients live years after this type of cancer diagnosis, depending on how well they respond to treatment.
Former Biden Staffers Call for Respect and Focus on His Health Battle
Joel Rubin and Jarrod Bernstein, who worked with Biden during the Obama administration, condemned the speculation and second-guessing about his cancer announcement. They said people should concentrate on supporting Biden in his fight against cancer instead of questioning the timing or facts. Rubin praised former President Trump for publicly wishing Biden well, showing respect despite political differences. Rubin reminded everyone that health problems affect all humans. Bernstein said Biden has served the country honorably for five decades and deserves respect regardless of opinions about his presidency.
