Fact check: Did biden know he had cancer while in office

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available evidence, Joe Biden did not know he had prostate cancer while in office. Multiple sources confirm he was officially diagnosed on May 16, 2025, after leaving office ^[1]. His medical records from 2019 and subsequent presidential physicals specifically noted he had "never had prostate cancer" and was considered "healthy" and "fit for duty" ^[1]. The cancer was discovered when a small nodule was found in May 2025 ^[1], and the diagnosis revealed a Gleason score of 9 with metastasis to the bone ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points need to be considered:

• Prostate cancer screening is not typically recommended for men over 70 years old ^{[3] [4]}
• Medical experts note that "interval cancers" can develop aggressively and quickly between screenings ^[3]
• Biden's last PSA test was in 2014 ^[4]
• He did have other, unrelated health conditions during his presidency, including:
• Atrial fibrillation
• Seasonal allergies ^[5]
• Previous minor skin cancer
• A benign colon polyp ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

There are several sources of potential misinformation and bias in this discussion:

• Conservative commentators have suggested a potential cover-up, but provide no concrete evidence to support these claims ^[7]
• False claims about Biden having "stage five" cancer have been circulating ^[8]
• The rapid progression and aggressive nature of the cancer might lead some to incorrectly assume it must have been present during his presidency, but medical experts explain this isn't necessarily true ^[3]

Those who might benefit from pushing various narratives include:

• Political opponents suggesting a cover-up to question Biden's transparency
• Media outlets seeking engagement through sensationalized coverage
• Medical advocacy groups using the case to highlight the importance of regular screening

A CBS News spokesperson has explicitly stated: "Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer" ^[4].