Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, according to a recent announcement from his personal office. The cancer, initially described as a “small nodule,” has reportedly spread to his bones, raising concern among medical experts and the public.
While no official timeline has been provided by Biden’s medical team, former White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson—who served under both Presidents Obama and Trump—spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about the seriousness of the diagnosis. He stated that based on conversations with urology experts, the average outlook for cases like this can be 12 to 18 months, although outcomes can vary significantly depending on treatment response and individual health.
“Hopefully it’s longer than that,” Jackson said, “and I hope they’re able to treat this effectively so he lives many more years. But it’s far advanced.”
Routine Screenings and Missed Signs?
Several medical experts have commented on the surprise surrounding the late-stage diagnosis. Dr. Steven Quay, a physician and researcher, noted that prostate cancer is typically one of the easiest cancers to detect early through routine screening methods like the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.
Dr. Howie Forman, a professor at Yale University specializing in radiology and public health, added that the PSA test can often indicate abnormal changes in the prostate well before cancer reaches an advanced stage. He called the late diagnosis “odd,” considering such screenings are standard for men over 50, especially for individuals receiving regular medical care.
Past Medical Assessments
In February 2024, Biden underwent a routine physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, reported that Biden was “fit to serve” at the time. Medical contributors and analysts have since questioned whether earlier signs may have been overlooked or if the cancer developed unusually quickly.
NBC News contributor Dr. Vin Gupta and Fox News analyst Dr. Marc Siegel both pointed out that prostate cancer is typically caught through PSA tests and digital rectal exams, which are common and non-invasive. Siegel noted that cancer is often first detected by elevated PSA levels rather than a physical exam alone.
A Broader Reminder on Men’s Health
The news has reignited conversations about the importance of regular cancer screenings, especially for aging populations. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and early detection is often key to successful treatment.
While the former president’s health team has not released further details, the public announcement has brought renewed attention to the need for proactive health care and transparency regarding serious diagnoses.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.