Joe Biden Diagnosed With 'Aggressive Form' of Prostate Cancer
NewsweekMAY 22
Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Above: Joe Biden at the Pope's Funeral at the Vatican in Rome on April 26, 2025. Image copyright: Jaap Arriens/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The cancer diagnosis, while serious, presents treatment opportunities due to its hormone-sensitive nature. Thanks to modern medical advances, even aggressive forms of this cancer can be effectively managed. For Biden, it is yet another chance to demonstrate resilience — just as he has throughout a life defined by hardship and determined comebacks.
Republican narrative
The timing and severity of the diagnosis raise concerns about the transparency of Biden's health status during his presidency. Questions persist about whether earlier warning signs went unaddressed, and whether health concerns should have played a more prominent role in discussions about his fitness for office during his final months as president.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that the average five-year survival rate of all cancers will exceed 95% by May 2051, according to the Metaculus prediction community.