Biden Was Last Screened for Prostate Cancer in 2014, His Office Says

The statement comes after observers raised questions about how the cancer had been missed while he was president.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the Department of Labor in Washington on Dec. 16, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Joe Biden’s last known screening for prostate cancer came in 2014 while he was still vice president during the Obama administration, his office has said in a statement.

“Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer,” the former president’s office said.

The statement specified that Biden, 82, had not received a PSA blood test—which can detect signs of prostate cancer—for over a decade in line with medical advice against screening for the condition in adults aged 70 or older.

On May 18, Biden’s personal office announced that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bone—indicating an advanced-stage cancer. According to the statement, this form of cancer was “hormone sensitive,” making it easier to manage the condition.

Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness based on what’s known as a Gleason score ranging from 6 to 10, with 10 being the most aggressive. Biden’s office said his score was nine.

The news immediately raised questions among some about how the cancer had been missed for so long in the octogenarian, who received annual check-ups while in the Oval Office.

During a press conference on May 19, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Biden’s diagnosis raised concerns about the competence of White House physicians, with a reporter suggesting they may have “missed the early stages” of Biden’s prostate cancer.

“Not as far as President Trump is concerned,” Leavitt said in response. “The White House physician we have here is phenomenal, and the team of physicians that take care of the president, particularly at Walter Reed Medical Center, are great.”

In his first public statement on the matter, Biden, whose son Beau Biden died of a brain tumor in 2015, wrote in a post on X featuring a photo of himself and his wife Jill Biden: “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.”

He received an outpouring of support from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said in a social media post that she and her husband are keeping Biden and his family in their “hearts and prayers.”

“I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery,” she wrote.

President Donald Trump also quickly sent along well-wishes for his erstwhile presidential rival, saying in a post 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.”

The Associated Press and Jack Phillips contributed to this report.