Donald Trump Jr. recently raised eyebrows after questioning the transparency surrounding former President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. In a post on X, he implied a cover-up, asking how Dr. Jill Biden could have missed what he referred to as “stage five metastatic cancer.” However, Trump Jr.’s assertion overlooks the fact that Jill Biden holds an education doctorate, not a medical degree. Experts, including oncologist Jonathan Waxman, clarified that Biden would likely have undergone routine screenings while in office, making it plausible that his cancer, which reportedly developed rapidly after being diagnosed, had not been present or detected during his presidency.
Biden’s age and health have been recurring concerns among voters throughout his presidency. At 82, he has faced scrutiny regarding his cognitive abilities. Following a lackluster debate performance in June, Biden ultimately withdrew his candidacy for a second term, paving the way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee—a position she ultimately lost to Trump. Speculations surrounding Biden’s physical and mental health have fueled narratives of a lack of transparency from both his administration and campaign, with upcoming publications alleging that aides concealed information about his declining health.
In addressing the medical aspects of Biden’s situation, Trump Jr. shared insights from physician-scientist Steven Quay, emphasizing that prostate cancer is typically easy to diagnose in its early stages. Quay stated that the progression from localized to metastatic prostate cancer can take several years without treatment, suggesting that Biden may have been unknowingly carrying a diagnosis during his presidency. Waxman echoed this sentiment, stating that President Biden likely received routine testing for prostate cancer. He indicated that the cancer had likely developed quickly, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Biden’s office confirmed that the diagnosis of cancer came after he reported urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a nodule on his prostate. Reports indicated that the cancer cells have spread to the bone, categorized as hormone-sensitive, which suggests it could be effectively managed. The nature of Biden’s prostate cancer is concerning, marked by a Gleason score of 9, indicating it ranks among the more aggressive forms of the disease. The complications arising from metastasized cancer—particularly its resistance to treatment—pose significant challenges, even as hormone-sensitive cancers can respond to specific therapies.
According to the CDC, prostate cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer among men, aside from non-melanoma skin cancers. While many cases are identified at early stages, a percentage has already spread to other organs by the time they are diagnosed. Data from 2017 to 2021 shows that while 70% of cases are localized, about 8% are discovered only after the cancer has metastasized. These statistics highlight the urgency for timely medical intervention, reinforcing the importance of regular screenings for older men, particularly those with risk factors.
Responses to Biden’s diagnosis have varied across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and well-wishes to Biden and his family, whereas former President Barack Obama praised Biden’s commitment to cancer research, expressing confidence in his resolve to overcome this challenge. Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Biden’s spirit and resilience, proclaiming optimism for his recovery. On the other hand, some conservative commentators have speculated about potential long-term health issues during his presidency, alleging discrepancies in medical records and questioning the credibility of White House physicians. Meanwhile, Biden’s family is reportedly consulting with medical professionals regarding treatment options, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his health journey.
