Joe Biden is facing a new wave of scrutiny regarding his health in office as a speech slip-up from 2022 resurfaces amidst his recent diagnosis of “aggressive” prostate cancer. The 82-year-old former president created concern about his health three years ago when he mentioned having cancer during a public speech. The speech, which Biden gave in 2022, focused on the emissions from oil refineries near his childhood home in Delaware. He stated, “That’s why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer and why for the longest time Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation.”
The comments made by Biden during the speech led to speculation that he was currently battling cancer. However, it was later clarified that he was referring to “non-melanoma skin cancers.” Before taking office as president, Biden had several instances of “localized, non-melanoma skin cancers” removed through surgery. Additionally, in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon, which was determined to be benign but potentially pre-cancerous. In February 2023, he underwent the removal of a skin lesion from his chest, identified as a basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer.
Despite the previous instances of skin cancer, Biden is now facing increased scrutiny following the announcement of his prostate cancer diagnosis. This revelation has prompted former President Donald Trump to question why the public was not informed earlier about Biden’s health condition. Trump expressed surprise at the aggressive nature of Biden’s cancer, suggesting that it typically takes a long time to reach such an advanced stage. Leading oncologist Dr. Zeke Emanuel proposed that Biden likely had cancer when he assumed office in 2021, indicating that the disease may have been present for a longer period than initially thought.
The announcement of Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis came after he sought medical attention for urinary symptoms and the subsequent discovery of a prostate nodule. The cancer has advanced to his bones, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease. Despite the severity of the diagnosis, the cancer is said to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management. Biden and his family are currently exploring treatment options with his healthcare team.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in males, with one in eight men developing it at some point in their lives. The diagnosis of a Gleason score of 9, indicating highly abnormal cancerous cells likely to grow rapidly, underscores the seriousness of Biden’s condition. Symptoms of prostate cancer, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting to urinate, and weak urine flow, may not manifest until the disease has progressed significantly. It is essential for men to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning signs.
In conclusion, Joe Biden’s recent prostate cancer diagnosis has raised questions about his health during his time in office and the timeline of his illness. The revelation of his aggressive cancer has sparked discussions about the detection and management of prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. As Biden navigates this new health challenge, the public remains focused on his well-being and the impact of his diagnosis on his personal and professional life.
