Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. As per a statement from his office shared on Sunday, the cancerous growth has spread to his bones. Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after he saw a doctor last week for urinary symptoms.
The cancer is a more aggressive form of the disease, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. According to Cancer Research UK, this means his illness is classified as "high-grade" and that the cancer cells could spread quickly.
Prostate cancer is a disease where cancerous cells develop in the prostate gland, a small walnut-sized gland part of the male reproductive system. It is a type of cancer that can grow uncontrollably, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. The cancer cells can spread to surrounding tissues and organs, or to other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer symptoms include urinary issues like frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, or burning sensation when urinating. Other potential symptoms include blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. If cancer spreads, symptoms can include bone pain, back pain, and weakness in the arms or legs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Currently, Biden and his family are said to be reviewing treatment options. The former president's office added that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, meaning it can likely be managed.
However, amidst this grim news, there’s one individual who has become the centre of attention (controversy, rather) – and not for the right reasons. It’s Dr. Kevin O’Connor.
In the aftermath of Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis, many are asking whether Dr. O’Connor ever did a cancer screening or if he was part of a cover-up.
Read on to know more.
Who is Dr. Kevin O’Connor?
Dr. Kevin O'Connor is a prominent American physician and retired U.S. Army colonel who served as the White House physician under Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. He was appointed to the role in January 2021 and continued until March 2025, when he was succeeded by Dr. Sean Barbabella.
How is he linked to Joe Biden?
Dr. O'Connor was known for his close relationship with the Biden family, particularly during Vice President Biden's tenure. He played a significant role in the care of Beau Biden, the president's late son, who battled brain cancer. Dr. O'Connor's involvement was deeply personal, as he was present during Beau Biden's surgery and provided support to the family during that challenging time.
In his capacity as White House physician, Dr. O'Connor was responsible for overseeing the health of the president and providing medical assessments. His tenure included addressing health concerns such as President Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis in 2022 and 2024, as well as the removal of a cancerous skin lesion in 2023.
O'Connor became notable during Biden's presidency for managing the president's COVID-19 diagnosis in July 2022. However, he faced criticism for not briefing the White House Press Corps directly, instead issuing written updates through Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
In fact, when speculations were rife last year whether or not the former US President had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Dr. O'Connor, Biden’s personal physician, was asked by the New York Post last year about former US Prez’s health, and he had affirmed that Biden was in ‘excellent health’. Moreover, Dr. O'Connor also stated publicly that Biden had not been diagnosed with Parkinson's and was not receiving treatment for it.
Additionally, reports surfaced revealing that Dr. O'Connor had personal connections with the Biden family, including past business dealings with President Biden's brother, Jim Biden. These revelations led to discussions about potential conflicts of interest and transparency regarding the president's health information.
Why is Dr. O’Connor being accused of a ‘cover-up’?
Following President Biden's diagnosis with metastatic prostate cancer, Dr. O'Connor's role has come under renewed public attention. The diagnosis, which revealed that the cancer had spread to the bones, led to discussions about the timing and disclosure of the president's health status. Some critics questioned whether there had been adequate transparency regarding the president's health condition, with Dr. Steven Quay asking, if the American people were ‘uninformed’ about the diagnosis of the former US Prez.
The physician-scientist, who received his M.D., M.S., and Ph.D. from The University of Michigan, and is the founder of Seattle-based Atossa Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: ATOS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, said in a X post, “Prostate cancer is the easiest cancer to diagnose when it first starts and to watch it progress to bone metastases. The PSA blood test shows the rate of cancer cell growth. For even with the most aggressive form, it is a 5-7 year journey without treatment before it becomes metastatic.” He explained, “Meaning, it would be malpractice for this patient to show up and be first diagnosed with metastatic disease in May 2025.”
Dr. Quay concluded, “It is highly likely he was carrying a diagnosis of prostate cancer throughout his White House tenure and the American people were uninformed.”
He is not alone.
MAGA influencer Benny Johnson wrote on X, “This is the Most Dangerous Cover-up in the History of the Presidency: Last summer, White House Physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor swore to the American people that Joe Biden was “completely fit for the Presidency” — no issues, nothing to see.” He added, “Advanced prostate cancer takes +10 years to develop to the stage where Biden’s diagnosis is. Prostate cancer is also *easy* to find. Simple blood test or prostate exam will give you near 100% accurate results. You’re telling me that the best doctors and testing on earth did not *find* Biden’s cancer in all these years of testing? Was every medical report a lie? For how long?”
Calling it ‘evil’, Johnson concluded, “This is the worst coverup in the history of the Presidency. Absolute scandal. They knew. They lied. They hid it. For power. People need to be held accountable for this.”
Another social media influencer, Mila Joy, echoed the same sentiment, questioning the credibility of Dr. O’Connor’s license, and wrote, “Joe Biden’s White House doctor, Kevin O’Connor, was more concerned with covering up Bidens mental decline than running normal cancer screenings. He shouldn't have a medical license.”
Recently, American President Donald Trump wished Biden his and Melania Trump's "warmest and best wishes" on Truth Social, writing, “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.”
Dr O'Connor is yet to make any statements related to the claims of his 'cover-up.' While Biden's problems with speech were a visual that everyone has seen and been aware of, it could be that his diagnosis may have been kept a secret from the public, at least for his term.