Experts in the US stunned that Joe Biden’s ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer wasn’t caught earlier
Medical experts in the US have questioned how former President Biden's cancer was missed while he was in office, as it is revealed he has an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer.
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Mr Biden’s office said he was seen by doctors last week after experiencing urinary symptoms. Tests revealed he had cancer, which has spread to his bones, and he was formally diagnosed on Friday.
Prostate cancer is assigned a Gleason score, which ranges from two to 10 and indicates how abnormal the cancer cells are when compared to healthy tissue under a microscope.
Mr Biden’s office reported his score was nine, suggesting a highly aggressive form of the disease.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” a statement from Mr Biden’s office read.
"The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Medical experts have said it is "inconceivable" that the cancer was not caught earlier by doctors.
Dr. Howie Forman, a professor of radiology and biomedical imaging, public health management and economics at Yale, wrote on X: "It is inconceivable that this was not being followed before he left the Presidency.
"Gleason grade 9 would have had an elevated PSA level for some time before this diagnosis. And he must have had a PSA test numerous times before. This is odd."
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Dr Steven Quay, a physician-scientist and author, also questioned how the cancer was missed until it had progressed to the bone.
He wrote: "Prostate cancer is the easiest cancer to diagnose when it first starts and to watch it progress to bone metastases."
He added: "For even with the most aggressive form, it is a 5-7 year journey without treatment before it becomes metastatic. Meaning, it would be malpractice for this patient to show up and be first diagnosed with metastatic disease in May 2025.
"It is highly likely he was carrying a diagnosis of prostate cancer throughout his White House tenure and the American people were uninformed."
Mr Biden has previously dealt with other health issues.
He had a skin lesion removed from his chest, later revealed to be a common form of skin cancer, in early 2023.
In November 2021, the former president had a benign but potentially pre-cancerous polyp removed from his bowel.
Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and… pic.twitter.com/gG5nB0GMPp
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 18, 2025
Messages of support for Mr Biden have poured in since his prostate cancer diagnosis was announced.
Sir Keir Starmer said he wished Joe Biden “swift and successful treatment”.
He said: “I am very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer. All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment.”
Sir Keir’s sentiments were echoed by former Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak, who wished the former US leader “all the best” on his treatment.
“So sorry to hear the news that President Biden has prostate cancer”, he said.
“Too many men are struck by this disease. We must continue to raise awareness of the danger it poses.”