Joe Biden’s team clarified on Tuesday that the former U.S. president had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer before last week. A spokesperson stated that while Biden had undergone a blood test for prostate cancer 11 years ago, he had never received a diagnosis of the disease until now. The spokesperson stated that Biden’s last known prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was in 2014, while he was serving his second term as vice president under Barack Obama.
This clarification came after president Donald Trump raised suspicions of a “cover-up,” expressing surprise that Biden’s cancer diagnosis wasn’t disclosed sooner. On Sunday, Biden’s office revealed that the 82-year-old had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, following the discovery of a nodule on his prostate. Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, can often be detected early through blood tests that measure levels of PSA, a protein linked to the disease.
Trump and his supporters have since questioned when Biden and his medical team became aware of the cancer, particularly given its advanced nature and the extensive health scrutiny U.S. presidents undergo. However, experts note that annual PSA screenings are not universally recommended for men over 70, with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advising against routine testing due to the potential risks of false positives and unnecessary treatments. Biden would have been around 71 or 72 years old at the time of his 2014 test.
Elder abuse allegation against Jill Biden
Leo Terrell, senior counselor to the assistant attorney general for civil rights, made the explosive claim on social media platform X, alleging that Jill Biden was aware of her husband’s declining health but pushed for his continued involvement in public life and politics.”Elder Abuse! Criminal Charges??” Terrell wrote on X, responding to a post that accused the former First Lady of knowingly allowing Joe Biden to run for president despite his reported health struggles. While the remarks gained traction online, there has been no confirmation that the Department of Justice is investigating or considering criminal charges against Jill Biden.