How could White House physicians miss it?
After it was revealed over the weekend that former President Joe Biden has an aggressive, late-stage type of prostate cancer, doctors, specialists, and pundits are all asking the same question: how could this have gone undiagnosed for so long?
Some are speculating that Biden has had it for over a decade.
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a former member of Biden’s transition team who helped craft the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, provided his analysis to MSNBC’s left-leaning Morning Joe.
“He’s had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading,” Emanuel told the Biden-supporting hosts early Monday.
“It’s a little surprising. I looked back at the records and there’s no evidence that when he got his health status and the medical records were released that he had a prostate-specific antigen.”
Emmanuel suggested that Biden had the disease while in the White House.
“He did not develop it in the last 100 to 200 days,” Emanuel said. “He had it while he was president. He probably had it at the start of his presidency in 2021. Yes, I don’t think there’s any disagreement about that.”
Watch the clip below:
🚨 HOLY SMOKES! Dr. Zeke Emanuel just went on MSNBC and told Morning Joe that Biden DEFINITELY had cancer during his presidency – IN 2021!
In other words – IT WAS HIDDEN. Scarborough is SHOCKED.
JOE: "This is NOT speculation [right?] He had it when he was president?"
EMANUEL:… pic.twitter.com/wqCZjslNlU
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 19, 2025
From The New York Post:
A handful of medical experts were quick to question how the former president could be diagnosed at such a late stage — especially given that prostate cancer can be detected early with routine bloodwork, which is recommended for men over the age of 50.
“It is inconceivable that this was not being followed before he left the Presidency,” Dr. Howard Formman said in a post on X.
“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,” he added. “I wish him well and hope he has an opportunity for maximizing his quality of life.”
Dr. Steven Quay flagged similar concerns, saying Biden’s type of cancer is the easiest to diagnose when it first starts and progresses.
“The PSA blood test shows the rate of cancer cell growth. For even with the most aggressive form, it is a 5-7 year journey without treatment before it becomes metastatic,” he said.
The former POTUS and former FLOTUS shared a message on social media Monday morning, saying, “Cancer touches us all,” the 82-year-old wrote on social media along with a photo of him sitting beside his wife, Jill Biden, and their cat.
“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places,” he added.
“Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
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. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025
Former President Barack Obama shared a message of support for Biden, as well.
“Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery,” Obama shared on X.
President Trump also released a message of support on TRUTH Social.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
