Lagatar24 Desk
Washington DC: Former US President Joe Biden’s diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones has triggered a wave of speculation about when the disease was first detected. While the official statement describes the cancer as aggressive—with a Gleason score of 9—experts and commentators are questioning whether the diagnosis could have been made much earlier.
Experts question progression timeline
Dr. Steven Quay, a US-based physician, suggested that metastatic prostate cancer typically develops over five to seven years without treatment. “Stage 4 prostate cancer doesn’t happen overnight,” he posted on X, adding that it is “highly likely” Biden had already been diagnosed during his time in office. The idea that such an advanced illness appeared suddenly in 2025 was labelled “medical malpractice” by Quay and echoed by other medical voices online.
Political backlash and social media storm
The diagnosis has also ignited political commentary, with Donald Trump Jr. accusing Dr. Jill Biden of “covering up” the disease. “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another cover-up?” he posted. Biden stepped down from the 2024 presidential race last August amid increasing public scrutiny over his health and endorsed then Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Doctors clarify prognosis and treatment
Dr. Chris George of the Northwestern Health Network clarified that once prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it becomes incurable. “There’s no treatment available that can cure it,” he said, although survival for two to five years is possible with proper management. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist with Orlando Health, said Biden is likely undergoing androgen deprivation therapy to slow the cancer’s growth. “This is pretty much hormone castration to cut off the cancer’s fuel,” he explained.
Indian oncologists highlight delayed detection risks
Dr. Prashant Jain of PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, said most patients only seek care when symptoms appear, by which time cancer has often spread. “Early stages are silent. That’s why regular screening is vital,” he noted. Dr. Mandeep Singh of the Art of Healing Cancer centre added that while hormonal therapy works initially, resistance often develops, requiring advanced, personalised treatment. He emphasized that chemotherapy is usually reserved for late-stage or resistant cases.
Call for awareness and early screening
Indian experts warn of a lack of routine PSA testing, unlike in the West. Dr. Jain stressed the need for structured health check-ups for men over 50. “Prostate cancer grows slowly, but without awareness, early signs are missed. PSA testing, even if not diagnostic, gives a vital early lead,” he said. Meanwhile, the Biden family has not addressed speculation over when the diagnosis was made, though doctors confirmed the cancer is hormone-sensitive and that treatment has begun.
