In a recent revelation that has left many in shock, a prominent oncologist has suggested that former President Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer should have been detected much earlier.
This has led to speculation that either Biden opted out of the test or the White House failed to disclose the results.
According to Mediaite, Biden was diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer last Friday, a fact that was made public on Sunday. His office has stated that he is currently exploring "management" options.
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist who was chosen by Biden as a medical expert for his COVID Advisory Board, appeared on MSNBC on Monday. His analysis of the situation left the hosts and viewers stunned as he expressed his "surprise" that the diagnosis had not been made sooner.
Dr. Emanuel explained that the advanced stage of Biden's cancer indicates that he has had the disease for "many years." In a conversation with host Joe Scarborough, the doctor stated, "Oh, hes had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading. Thats right. Its a little surprising. I looked back at the records and theres no evidence that when he got his health status and the medical records were released, that he had a prostate specific antigen."
The doctor further elaborated on the severity of Biden's condition, stating, "When we talk about aggressive part, what we mean is that Gleason score, that score is from two up to ten. And hes a nine. And that means that the cancer doesnt look normal, it looks very abnormal, which is probably why its in the bone. And as you point out, Joe, its been around for a very long time in President Biden years."
Scarborough, taken aback by the revelations, sought further clarification on the timeline of Biden's illness. Dr. Emanuel responded, "We dont know, obviously. And it is a little surprising to many of us oncologists that he wasnt diagnosed earlier."
The conversation then shifted to the question of whether undergoing the test would be considered "normal" and routine given Biden's public role. Dr. Emanuel explained that medical ethics would have required the option and recommendation of a test to have been discussed with Biden. However, the final decision to undergo the test would have been Biden's.
The doctor added, "I dont know what President Biden and his doctor discussed, but I think you are hinting at the other element, which is that President Obama had this test, President Bush had this test. It is a little surprising that the doctor didnt take it. And if he took it and didnt report it and it was elevated, that is another case of doctors not being straightforward with us. Weve had several of them with President Trump, especially around his COVID diagnosis. And if that is true, that would be very troubling."
When Scarborough asked Dr. Emanuel to confirm that Biden had had the cancer for years, the doctor was clear in his reply: "Oh yeah. He did not develop it in the last 100 to 200 days. He had it while he was president. He probably had it at the start of his presidency in 2021. Yes, I dont think theres any disagreement about that."
The discussion continued with Scarborough asking again about whether a prostate test would be "one of the first tests" hed conduct on an older male president given the risk. Dr. Emanuel reiterated that it would be Biden's call on whether to take the test, adding again that former presidents all had.
Co-host Mika Brzezinski interjected to repeat Scarboroughs questions, with the additional query grasping at every other option that the test missed his cancer profile. Dr. Emanuel responded with a laugh, stating that scientifically the test could miss a diagnosis but that the annual repetition of the test and advanced nature of the disease makes that very unlikely.
He concluded, "Its not likely that his prostate specific antigen, his PSA, which is the test were talking about, would have been in the normal range. It would have been elevated above four. And that does say you should do something about it."
This revelation raises serious questions about the transparency of the health status of public figures, particularly those in high office. It also underscores the importance of regular health checks, even for those who may feel invincible due to their public stature.
As the public digests this news, it serves as a stark reminder of the human vulnerability that even the most powerful among us cannot escape.
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