Former President Joe Biden announced he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer on May 18th. He received this diagnosis on the 16th, following medical evaluations prompted by urinary symptoms. Biden shared that he had not been screened for prostate cancer since 2014, leading to an aggressive form of the cancer that has metastasized to his bones.

Biden publicly addressed his diagnosis via X, writing, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

The cancer is characterized by a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade tumor with a propensity for rapid growth and spread. Despite the advanced stage, medical experts such as Dr. Ben Davies, a professor of urology at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, suggests that with appropriate treatment, Biden’s life expectancy could be significantly extended.

Biden’s health has long been a topic of partisan debate, particularly during and after his presidency. Republicans have often used his age and physical health as justification when declaring Biden was unfit for office. They have seized upon the diagnosis to renew criticism of what they describe as a pattern of secrecy and delayed disclosures by Democratic leaders.

“What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???” wrote President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald John Trump Jr.

Critics have also pointed out the extent of Biden’s prognosis, making implications that the Former President was unawarely ill while still in office. Scrutiny has been fueled by the release of the book Original Sin by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, which alleges that Biden’s inner circle actively concealed signs of cognitive decline during presidency. 

Biden’s physical deterioration – most apparent in his halting walk – had become so severe that there were internal discussions about putting the president in a wheelchair, but they couldn’t do so until after the election,” the authors wrote.

Trump too has commented on the diagnosis, extending well wishes but later questioning the timing of the disclosure, suggesting without evidence that Biden’s team may have delayed the announcement. 

“I think it is very sad actually. I am surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago,” said Trump during an event at the White House.

Biden’s diagnosis has intensified debate around the health of officials in office and the necessary transparency. As the nation watches Biden’s health, the conversation continues about how to balance personal privacy with public accountability.