Concerns are mounting among medical professionals after it was revealed that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
According to a statement from his personal office, the cancer was discovered following complaints of increasing urinary symptoms. The diagnosis described an aggressive cancer with a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), a high-risk indicator. While the disease is considered hormone-sensitive and potentially manageable, its advanced stage has prompted many to ask: How was it missed for so long?
Medical experts from various institutions have expressed surprise that the cancer wasn’t detected earlier, especially given that routine screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, are widely recommended for men over 50.
“It’s one of the easiest cancers to catch early with a simple blood test,” said Dr. Steven Quay. “To see it progress to bone metastases suggests it went undiagnosed for quite some time.”
Dr. Howie Forman, a professor at Yale, echoed that sentiment, saying the PSA test usually detects such cancers well before they reach this advanced stage. He added, “It’s unusual not to catch something this aggressive much sooner.”
Other experts, including NBC News medical contributor Dr. Vin Gupta and Fox News analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, also weighed in. Dr. Siegel noted that typical practice is to test men over 45 for elevated PSA levels, followed by imaging or a biopsy if needed. He was surprised that the cancer was only caught after symptoms became apparent, saying, “It’s concerning that the cancer was already advanced at the time of diagnosis.”
The announcement has sparked discussion about the importance of regular health screenings and timely access to full medical records. While some online voices have speculated about whether those close to Biden should have intervened earlier, most professionals emphasize that the focus should remain on ensuring proper treatment and patient care going forward.
Biden and his family are reportedly reviewing treatment options with his medical team, and updates are expected in the coming weeks.
