Renowned oncologist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a former member of President Biden’s COVID-19 advisory board, indicated on Monday, May 19, 2025, that President Biden likely had prostate cancer during his presidency, possibly for up to ten years prior to the recent disclosure.
Appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Emanuel, a bioethicist and ex-health advisor for the Biden administration, surprised hosts by asserting that Biden’s cancer had existed for years before it was publicly acknowledged on Sunday, May 18.
“He’s had this for many years, maybe even a decade, growing there and spreading,” Emanuel told the program’s hosts. “He did not develop it in the last 100 to 200 days.”
When host Joe Scarborough asked Emanuel if his statement was speculative or based on medical assessment, Emanuel replied decisively, indicating the condition was present during Biden’s presidency. Emanuel remarked, “He likely had it at the beginning of his presidency in 2021,” expressing confidence that there was no significant disagreement on this issue.
The office of the former president revealed on Sunday that Biden, 82, was diagnosed two days prior with an aggressive prostate cancer, noted by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with bone metastasis. The Gleason scoring system ranges from 6 to 10, with higher scores marking more aggressive cancer forms.
Emanuel, who participated in Biden’s transition COVID-19 Advisory Board and contributed to the Affordable Care Act during the Obama administration, questioned the apparent absence of routine prostate screening during Biden’s presidency.
Emanuel mentioned that a review of records showed no sign of Biden undergoing a prostate-specific antigen test, a standard blood test for prostate issues, in the disclosed health status and medical records.
The doctor clarified that while some doctors advise against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for men over 70, the role of a president would typically warrant comprehensive health screenings.
Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush underwent PSA testing as part of standard health screenings for presidents.
“President Obama had this test. President Bush had this test,” Emanuel said.
When questioned about the possibility of the cancer being missed during testing, Emanuel acknowledged it was technically possible but unlikely, given the aggressive nature of Biden’s cancer and the annual frequency of such tests. “Either they didn’t test for it, or they test for it [and] they didn’t report it. And we didn’t get the information as a public,” he concluded.
Biden’s diagnosis timing drew attention following its announcement, coming shortly after he was evaluated for urinary symptoms, leading to the detection of a “small nodule” on his prostate earlier in the month.
On Monday, May 19, Biden publicly acknowledged his diagnosis, stating on social media that “cancer touches us all.” He mentioned that he and First Lady Jill Biden have realized they are “strongest in the broken places,” and expressed gratitude for their support.
Emanuel, 66, is a respected figure in oncology and bioethics, with numerous publications on healthcare policy. He served as a health policy advisor in the Obama and Biden administrations. He is the brother of former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who was White House Chief of Staff under President Obama.
