JOE Biden likely had cancer at the start of his presidency in 2021, a leading oncologist has claimed.
Dr Zeke Emanuel made the bombshell claim to Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough on Monday.
“He had it while he was President,” he said. “He probably had it at the start of his presidency, in 2021.”
He questioned how such an advanced form of prostate cancer had flown under the radar until now.
Dr Emanuel was previously appointed to a 16-person COVID advisory board by President Biden.
The 82-year-old former president was seen by his doctors last week where a prostate nodule was found after urinary symptoms.
The cancer has reportedly spread to Biden’s bones.
“He’s had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading,” Dr Emanuel alleged.
“That’s right. It’s a little surprising,” he added, to the visible scepticism of his host.
He mentioned that upon reviewing the records, there was no proof of him having undergone a prostate-specific antigen test when he received his health status and medical records.
“Now, it is true that a lot of people recommend not doing a prostate-specific antigen after 70.
He noted that President Biden has been involved in public service for a significant period, serving as vice president and undergoing numerous examinations before the age of 70. Therefore, it is somewhat unexpected that such a test was not conducted.
But he added: “And maybe President Biden decided he didn’t want the test. Many men do decide they don’t want [it], but this is also aggressive.”
He further pointed to Biden’s Gleason score of nine – a scale on which the highest score is 10 – to highlight how advanced the cancer likely is.
“And that means that the cancer doesn’t look normal, it looks very abnormal – which is probably why it’s in the bone.”
Dr Emanuel added it is a “little surprising to many of us oncologists that he wasn’t diagnosed earlier”.
A spokesperson representing the former president stated that President Joe Biden had a prostate nodule discovered during a recent examination prompted by escalating urinary issues.
“On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.
“The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Biden was 78 years old when he was sworn in as president in 2021 – at the time making him the oldest person to assume the office.
Throughout his presidency, he faced repeated questions about his health and fitness to serve in office – concerns that intensified after he announced his bid for re-election.
But he dropped out of the race after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.
Well-wishes for President Biden have flooded in since the announcement of his diagnosis.
Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as Vice President, said: “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.”
President Donald Trump wrote 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.”
