Former President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer has raised questions about how it went unnoticed, especially given the high level of medical care typically available to a sitting president. Access to round-the-clock medical staff at the White House and military hospitals usually ensures comprehensive health checks, yet it appears that Biden’s prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones, was not detected during his routine physical exams.
Experts suggest that while the disclosure of such a diagnosis may seem alarming, there are various factors at play. Routine screenings for prostate cancer are often not recommended for men Biden’s age, which is 82. Doctor Oliver Sartor noted that inquiries about Biden’s condition have surfaced, with some speculating foul play. However, he reassured that such developments could be expected, highlighting the aggressive nature some prostate cancers can take.
A new publication indicates that Biden showed signs of health decline prior to exiting the 2024 election race, yet many medical professionals state that prostate cancer generally does not directly affect cognitive abilities. Furthermore, a recent health update on Biden revealed that the last known PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test was conducted in 2014. This raises eyebrows, especially as other recent presidents have their screening results made public.
The prostate cancer screening landscape is complex. Since the 1990s, the PSA test has been the standard, but it also has a high false-positive rate. Consequently, many medical guidelines recommend a patient-physician approach regarding the screening decision, especially for men over 70, as the treatment side effects can occasionally outweigh the benefits.
Moreover, some men experience “interval cancer,” aggressive tumours that can develop between screenings, which may explain how Biden’s cancer progressed so significantly without detection. The nature of prostate cancer varies significantly; some are slow-growing, while others are aggressive and resistant to treatment.
Biden’s medical history includes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common age-related condition, treated with both medication and surgery. Although the relationship between BPH and prostate cancer is still unclear, researchers believe both conditions are associated with aging.
Even with prostate cancer, doctors maintain that such a diagnosis typically does not impair cognitive function unless impacted by treatment options. Consequently, Biden’s recent appearances, where he has publicly pushed back against notions of concealed health crises, exemplify his commitment to transparency regarding his condition.
In essence, while Biden faces a challenging prognosis with metastatic prostate cancer, medical experts remain hopeful for effective management, underscoring that it can be controlled for several years, even though it is currently considered incurable.