Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone, his office announced Sunday. The diagnosis, which comes after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule was discovered last week, has raised concerns about the timeline of the cancer’s development and the implications for his future health.
A statement Sunday revealed that the cancer cells have spread, classifying it as metastatic prostate cancer, a more serious stage than localized or early-stage diagnoses.
This has prompted a wave of medical and political analysis, as experts and observers grapple with the implications of this news.
READ: Rubio Stresses Hamas Destruction, Hostage Release Amidst Gaza Conflict
Medical Details and Prognosis
The prostate, a gland essential to the male reproductive system, produces fluid for semen. Located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, its health is critical. The diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer, where cancer cells have spread beyond the prostate, significantly alters the prognosis.
Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center offered some perspective, stating to the Associated Press, “It’s very treatable, but not curable.”
He indicated that while outcomes have improved, patients with metastatic prostate cancer can generally expect to live for four to five years. The primary treatment approach for this stage typically involves drugs that lower hormone levels or block them from reaching cancer cells, slowing down cancer growth.
“Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy,” Smith explained.
A critical factor in assessing the cancer’s aggressiveness is the Gleason score. Biden’s office disclosed a score of 9, placing his cancer in the higher, more aggressive range of the scale (6-10). This score indicates a more rapid progression and necessitates aggressive treatment.
READ: White House Press Secretary Details “One Big, Beautiful Bill” As Package Moves Forward
Treatment Options and Medical Opinions
Treatment options for advanced prostate cancer generally focus on hormone therapy, which aims to reduce testosterone levels that fuel cancer growth. Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News medical contributor, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “It may very well be that he’s hormone responsive, and that’s what we’re all hoping and praying for here.”
Additionally, advancements in radiation therapy and robotic prostatectomy offer potential treatment avenues, though the specific treatment plan for Biden has not been publicly disclosed.
Dr. Herbert Lepore, a urologist at NYU Langone, told Reuters that treatments for metastatic prostate cancer can extend a patient’s life by five to ten years. Dr. Chris George, medical director of Northwestern Medical Network’s cancer program, emphasized that while metastasis usually signifies incurability, treatments can effectively manage the disease.
READ: Windmoor Healthcare CEO Urges Community To “Break The Silence” On Mental Health
Questions and Concerns Raised
The diagnosis has triggered significant questions regarding the timeline of the cancer’s development, particularly in relation to Biden’s reported PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test in 2024.
Dr. Siegel noted, “One of the questions on everyone’s mind…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.”
Political analyst Susan Scott echoed these concerns, stating, “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.”
Dr. Siegel clarified that while PSA tests are commonly used, prostate cancer can develop even with low PSA scores. He also pointed out that the physical examination found the cancer, not a PSA test.
READ: Republican Surge In Florida: Miami-Dade County Flips Red
White House Response and Political Implications
The White House has addressed concerns about the quality of medical care provided to presidents. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded Monday to questions about potential missed diagnoses during Biden’s presidency.
“Not as far as President Trump is concerned. The White House physician we have here is phenomenal,” Leavitt stated. “The team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great. The president had his physical recently, as you know, he had, perfect results. He’s in very good shape.”
The diagnosis has inevitably introduced a political dimension, with discussions focusing on the implications for Biden’s legacy and the broader discourse on healthcare.
Background on Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, with approximately one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, making regular screenings crucial.
Biden’s medical history includes two operations for brain aneurysms and a pulmonary embolism in 1988. As he faces this new health challenge, the focus will be on his treatment and response, and the broader implications for public awareness of prostate cancer. Sources
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.
