Biden’s cancer diagnosis sparks questions about screening and care—President Trump also responds
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News about a president’s health doesn’t just stay in Washington—it ripples across the country.
And when that news involves a serious diagnosis like cancer, it gets people talking, reflecting, and asking questions.
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
The announcement has stirred national concern, not only about Biden’s condition but about how such a serious illness could have gone undetected for so long.
As the public processes this news, President Donald Trump’s camp responded with a calm message of reassurance.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump “trusts his physicians”—and that trust remains steady in the face of his predecessor’s diagnosis.
Leaders under the spotlight
The announcement came on May 18, and according to Biden’s spokesperson, the cancer is aggressive and already metastatic.
That development has sparked widespread concern and prompted experts to speak out.
"I think those are questions that we all have," said Dr. Curtiland Deville, radiation oncologist and medical director at Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center, during an appearance on CNN.
"When we see patients, we're wondering—could we have caught this sooner?"
Dr. Deville added, “We don’t want patients to progress to the metastatic state because they won’t be curable. Certainly treatable, but not curable.”
Also read: Joe Biden’s recent health concern might not be so small after all—Doctors reveal a new aggressive diagnosis
Presidential care and routine checkups
Presidents receive some of the most comprehensive medical care available, including access to a full team of specialists—often from Walter Reed Medical Center.
Biden underwent a routine physical in February 2024.
At the time, his doctors described him as “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male,” noting sleep apnea and several stable, well-controlled conditions.
Despite this, the cancer was not detected until it had already progressed.
That’s led many to wonder how such an aggressive condition slipped through.
Also read: Trump maintains criticism of Biden over economic growth figures—Here’s what to know
Why prostate cancer can be hard to catch
Prostate cancer can be deceptive.
While PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests and digital rectal exams are standard for older men, the screening guidelines can leave gaps.
Many recommendations suggest stopping routine screenings around age 70 for those without heightened risk.
“Someone like the president, you would presume, was still having their PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam on an annual basis,” said Dr. Deville.
But, he noted, “There are scenarios where the PSA level can stay low and not reach the threshold of getting a workup and a biopsy until it was much further along.”
Dr. Otis Brawley, a medical oncologist at Johns Hopkins University, offered a frank assessment: “We need a better test,” he told The Washington Post.
Also read: What did Jill Biden's “signal” on “The View” to Joe Biden mean?
Trump’s response and trust in care
When asked how Trump responded to the news of Biden’s cancer, Press Secretary Leavitt reassured the public, saying, “He trusts his physicians.”
She emphasized the strength of the White House medical team, stating, “The team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great.”
Leavitt also praised the current White House physician as “phenomenal,” reinforcing the message that Trump continues to place full confidence in the care he receives.
This news has hit home for many in our community.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men.
While early detection saves lives, current screening methods don’t always catch everything.
Talk to your doctor—especially if you're over 60—about whether continued screening is right for you.
No test is perfect. But being proactive and staying informed is one of the best steps you can take for your health!
Read next: That Biden interview? It’s not just what was said—It’s what WASN’T.
Have you or someone you love faced a late diagnosis? Do you feel your screenings are enough? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. This isn’t just a political story—it’s a health story that touches all of us. At The GrayVine, we’ll keep holding space for conversations that matter—to your health, your family, and your peace of mind.
And when that news involves a serious diagnosis like cancer, it gets people talking, reflecting, and asking questions.
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
The announcement has stirred national concern, not only about Biden’s condition but about how such a serious illness could have gone undetected for so long.
As the public processes this news, President Donald Trump’s camp responded with a calm message of reassurance.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump “trusts his physicians”—and that trust remains steady in the face of his predecessor’s diagnosis.
Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden remain in the spotlight as Biden’s cancer diagnosis sparks national conversation on health screenings and medical care. Image Source: YouTube / LiveNOW from FOX.
Leaders under the spotlight
The announcement came on May 18, and according to Biden’s spokesperson, the cancer is aggressive and already metastatic.
That development has sparked widespread concern and prompted experts to speak out.
"I think those are questions that we all have," said Dr. Curtiland Deville, radiation oncologist and medical director at Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center, during an appearance on CNN.
"When we see patients, we're wondering—could we have caught this sooner?"
Dr. Deville added, “We don’t want patients to progress to the metastatic state because they won’t be curable. Certainly treatable, but not curable.”
Also read: Joe Biden’s recent health concern might not be so small after all—Doctors reveal a new aggressive diagnosis
Presidential care and routine checkups
Presidents receive some of the most comprehensive medical care available, including access to a full team of specialists—often from Walter Reed Medical Center.
Biden underwent a routine physical in February 2024.
At the time, his doctors described him as “a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male,” noting sleep apnea and several stable, well-controlled conditions.
Despite this, the cancer was not detected until it had already progressed.
That’s led many to wonder how such an aggressive condition slipped through.
Also read: Trump maintains criticism of Biden over economic growth figures—Here’s what to know
Why prostate cancer can be hard to catch
Prostate cancer can be deceptive.
While PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests and digital rectal exams are standard for older men, the screening guidelines can leave gaps.
Many recommendations suggest stopping routine screenings around age 70 for those without heightened risk.
“Someone like the president, you would presume, was still having their PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam on an annual basis,” said Dr. Deville.
But, he noted, “There are scenarios where the PSA level can stay low and not reach the threshold of getting a workup and a biopsy until it was much further along.”
Dr. Otis Brawley, a medical oncologist at Johns Hopkins University, offered a frank assessment: “We need a better test,” he told The Washington Post.
Also read: What did Jill Biden's “signal” on “The View” to Joe Biden mean?
Trump’s response and trust in care
When asked how Trump responded to the news of Biden’s cancer, Press Secretary Leavitt reassured the public, saying, “He trusts his physicians.”
She emphasized the strength of the White House medical team, stating, “The team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great.”
Leavitt also praised the current White House physician as “phenomenal,” reinforcing the message that Trump continues to place full confidence in the care he receives.
This news has hit home for many in our community.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men.
While early detection saves lives, current screening methods don’t always catch everything.
Talk to your doctor—especially if you're over 60—about whether continued screening is right for you.
No test is perfect. But being proactive and staying informed is one of the best steps you can take for your health!
Read next: That Biden interview? It’s not just what was said—It’s what WASN’T.
Have you or someone you love faced a late diagnosis? Do you feel your screenings are enough? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. This isn’t just a political story—it’s a health story that touches all of us. At The GrayVine, we’ll keep holding space for conversations that matter—to your health, your family, and your peace of mind.
