Fact Check: Biden was diagnosed with cancer

Claim Analysis: "Biden was diagnosed with cancer"

1. Introduction

The claim that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with cancer, specifically prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone, has emerged from multiple news reports following an announcement from his personal office. This claim raises significant public interest, particularly given Biden's age and the implications of such a diagnosis on his health and political career.

2. What We Know

As of May 2025, several reputable news outlets have reported that Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The diagnosis was confirmed by his personal office, which stated that the cancer has spread to the bone. The timeline indicates that Biden was evaluated by doctors due to urinary symptoms, leading to the discovery of a prostate nodule and subsequent diagnosis on May 16, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10.

In 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed that was identified as basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, but this recent diagnosis pertains specifically to prostate cancer 7.

3. Analysis

Source Evaluation

The sources reporting on Biden's cancer diagnosis include established news organizations such as The New York Times, Associated Press, NPR, NBC News, and others. These outlets are generally considered reliable due to their editorial standards and fact-checking processes. However, it is important to note that some sources may have varying degrees of bias based on their editorial slant or audience.

The New York Times 1: Known for its comprehensive reporting, it has a reputation for accuracy but can be perceived as having a liberal bias.
Associated Press (AP) 2: A highly regarded news agency known for its objective reporting and fact-based journalism.
NPR 3: Typically recognized for its in-depth analysis and balanced reporting, though it may lean left in its coverage.
NBC News 4: A major network that provides a mix of news and opinion, but is generally reliable.
Newsweek 9: While it has a history of credible reporting, it has faced criticism for sensationalism in some articles.

Methodology and Evidence

The reports are based on a statement from Biden's personal office, which is a primary source of information. However, the absence of direct quotes from medical professionals or detailed medical records raises questions about the transparency of the diagnosis. The reliance on a single statement from Biden's office may limit the depth of understanding regarding the specifics of his condition, such as the stage of cancer and treatment options.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no apparent conflicts of interest in the reporting itself, as the information comes from Biden's office and is corroborated by multiple independent news organizations. However, the political implications of Biden's health could influence how different outlets frame the story, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.

Supporting and Contradicting Evidence

While the majority of reports confirm the diagnosis, there is no contradicting evidence presented in the available sources. The uniformity of the reports suggests a consensus on the facts as presented by Biden's office.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has metastasized to the bone, is substantiated by multiple reputable news sources and a statement from his personal office. The key evidence includes the confirmation of the diagnosis by Biden's office and corroboration from established media outlets such as The New York Times, Associated Press, and NPR.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the information primarily comes from a single statement without detailed medical documentation or direct commentary from healthcare professionals. This limitation means that while the diagnosis is confirmed, the specifics regarding the stage of cancer and treatment options remain unclear.

Readers should remain aware of the potential for varying interpretations of this diagnosis, especially given the political context surrounding Biden's health. It is crucial to critically evaluate information and consider the sources from which it originates, especially in matters of public health and political significance.