News of former President Joe Biden’s diagnosis of Stage 4B prostate cancer, which has metastasized to the bone, has prompted questions regarding the timeline of its discovery and the implications for his health. According to the Mayo Clinic, the five-year survival rate for this stage of prostate cancer is approximately 37%.
The diagnosis has particularly raised eyebrows because Biden reportedly underwent a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a common screening tool for prostate cancer, in 2024.
READ: Rubio Stresses Hamas Destruction, Hostage Release Amidst Gaza Conflict
Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel expressed his surprise on air, stating, “One of the questions on everyone’s mind, and you just heard this from the reporter is, what about last year’s PSA? You know, this was found by physical examination by prostate exam. A lot of times we find an elevation in prostate specific antigen, a PSA, then we go after it, get an MRI. I mean, he must’ve had the best possible care here. I’m just, I’m a little taken aback it’s this far advanced and very, very concerned about it.”
Echoing this sentiment, political analyst Susan Scott commented, “This is a former president of the United States. He’s supposed to be getting, as you said, the best medical care in the world and yet, you know, just a few months after he leaves office, this prostate cancer is advanced enough that it has metastasized to the bone. That’s, well, that’s just not good.”
READ: White House Press Secretary Details “One Big, Beautiful Bill” As Package Moves Forward
Dr. Siegel clarified that while he routinely uses the PSA test for patients over 45, it is possible for prostate cancer to develop even with a low PSA score. He also offered a hopeful outlook, suggesting that Biden’s cancer might be responsive to hormone therapy, which aims to reduce testosterone levels that can fuel prostate cancer growth.
“It may very well be that he’s hormone responsive and that’s what we’re all hoping and praying for here,” Dr. Siegel said. He also touched upon advancements in radiation therapy for prostate cancer, noting its improved targeting and reduced side effects, as well as the effectiveness of robotic prostatectomy. However, he noted that the current treatment plan has not been disclosed.
Experts in the field have weighed in on the prognosis and treatment options for advanced prostate cancer. NYU Langone urologist Dr. Herbert Lepore, speaking to Reuters, indicated that treatments for metastatic prostate cancer can allow patients to live for at least five to ten years. Dr. Chris George, medical director of Northwestern Medical Network’s cancer program, added that while metastasis typically signifies the cancer is incurable, treatments can effectively manage the disease.
READ: Florida Sen. Scott Leads Push To Blacklist CCP’s Institute Of Forensic Science On U.S. Entity List
Biden’s past medical history includes two operations for brain aneurysms and a pulmonary embolism in 1988. As the former president faces this new health challenge, the focus will likely be on the specifics of his treatment plan and how he responds to it. The apparent discrepancy between the advanced stage of the cancer and the reported PSA test in 2024 remains a point of discussion and concern among medical professionals and the public alike.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
