The announcement of President Biden's Stage 9 prostate cancer diagnosis raises questions about health transparency and early detection.
President
Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer characterized by bone metastases, as announced by his medical team on Sunday.
The diagnosis specifies a Gleason score of 9, indicating a significantly aggressive cancer, with the Gleason scoring system reaching a maximum of 10.
Former President
Donald Trump commented on this news, expressing surprise that the public was not informed sooner, highlighting that it takes considerable time for such a disease to reach an advanced stage.
This revelation has reignited speculation regarding the potential concealment of President Biden's declining health by his administration during his time in office.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this demographic.
While routine screenings typically allow for earlier detection of prostate cancer, medical experts note that cases like President Biden's can sometimes evade detection.
Otis Brawley, an oncology professor at Johns Hopkins University, indicated that it is not uncommon for men to be diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer despite regular annual screenings.
He referred to the limitations of standard screening methods, including digital rectal exams and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests, which may not be recommended for men over 70 years of age.
Natacha Naoun, an oncologist from the Gustave Roussy Institute in France, emphasized the possibility that Biden's cancer may have developed aggressively and rapidly.
As communicated by Biden's staff, the President and his family are currently evaluating treatment options with his medical team.
The Biden family has previously experienced cancer-related trauma; Beau Biden, the former president's eldest son, died in 2015 from brain cancer at the age of 46. During his presidency,
Joe Biden initiated significant research and funding efforts aimed at reducing cancer mortality by 50% over 25 years.
Following the diagnosis announcement, supportive messages poured in.
Donald Trump initially expressed sadness over the news, wishing for a quick recovery, despite having previously criticized Biden's physical and cognitive capabilities.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris remarked on Biden's resilience, stating, "Joe is a fighter," amidst the backdrop of Harris's own presidential campaign following Biden's withdrawal concerns owing to health issues.
King Charles III, who is also battling cancer, reportedly sent a letter offering encouragement to President Biden.
Biden responded publicly, thanking supporters for their love and encouragement, alongside a photo with his wife.
The discussion surrounding Biden's cognitive decline has been reignited by a recently released audio recording from 2023, indicating potential lapses in memory regarding significant events in his life.
A forthcoming investigative book scheduled for release details claims of the White House allegedly concealing growing weaknesses of a president determined to pursue reelection.
This has been labeled a "political sham" by Naomi Biden, the President's granddaughter, on social media.
Earlier this year, Biden denied experiencing cognitive decline while in office, asserting he had effectively performed his presidential duties in the six months following his withdrawal from the presidential race.