President Joe Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis has become a topic of heated discussion, with many questioning what health issues he faced during his presidency. On Sunday, Biden's office announced his diagnosis following a doctor’s visit for urinary symptoms, revealing that the 82-year-old's cancer has spread to his bones.
Experts expressed surprise that such an aggressive form of cancer had not been detected earlier. Some noted that cancers may grow rapidly without outward symptoms, especially in men over 70 who are not routinely screened for prostate cancer. This statement reignited criticisms, notably from former President Donald Trump, who suggested that the diagnosis might have been concealed. He voiced concerns over the timing of the public disclosure, stating, “It could take years to reach this level of danger.”
Biden's health has been a topic of scrutiny, especially as he campaigns for re-election. A recent book by journalists has described instances of his cognitive decline, sparking worries within the Democratic Party. Some Democratic leaders, including Senator Chris Murphy, admitted it was a mistake not to address voter concerns about Biden's health sooner.
Vice-President JD Vance expressed goodwill for Biden while questioning the transparency of his health information. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, who was involved in Biden's pandemic response, claimed the cancer likely existed during his presidency but went undetected. U.S. guidelines recommend no routine screenings for men over 70, since prostate cancers often grow slowly.
Despite the controversy, experts like Dr. Robert Figlin cautioned against jumping to conclusions about missed diagnoses. Prostate cancer is common, with the CDC stating that approximately 13 out of 100 American men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
As Biden faces this new health challenge, public support and scrutiny will likely continue to grow, reflecting ongoing concerns about the intersection of health and politics in America.
