Trump, Allies Spread Unfounded Claims About Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden’s office announced on May 18 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer two days earlier, following the discovery of a prostate nodule. President Donald Trump and others have suggested, without evidence, that Biden’s diagnosis had been known much earlier and hidden from the public. 

We can only report what Biden’s office has said. However, the timing of the diagnosis is plausible, since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended against routine prostate cancer screenings for men over age 70.  

Trump wished Biden well in a May 18 Truth Social post, saying, “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.”