A former White House physician has offered a sobering perspective on President Joe Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis, suggesting that the outlook could be serious.
Dr. Ronny Jackson, who previously served as the personal doctor to both Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, shared his views in an interview with the Washington Free Beacon. Speaking about Biden’s Stage 4 prostate cancer—which the White House confirmed had spread to his bones—Jackson said the prognosis in such cases is typically challenging.
“Based on conversations with specialists, the expectation is often somewhere between 12 and 18 months,” Jackson explained, noting that he hopes for a longer outcome and effective treatment. “It’s an advanced case,” he added.
The announcement of Biden’s diagnosis in May surprised many, as the cancer was originally described as a “small nodule.” Jackson speculated that the diagnosis may have been known earlier, possibly even before it was publicly disclosed.
“I always screened Presidents Obama and Trump annually for prostate cancer,” he said. “It’s possible the president’s team was aware earlier and chose not to release that information.”
Jackson emphasized that treatment for prostate cancer—such as radiation—can often be done on an outpatient basis, meaning Biden could have undergone procedures privately without public knowledge.
Beyond cancer, Biden’s overall health and cognitive fitness have also been a topic of discussion. Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, another former White House doctor who served during Obama’s presidency, said he believes Biden should have received cognitive testing, especially given his age during the last year of his presidency.
“Health isn’t just physical,” Kuhlman said. “Fitness also includes mental clarity and emotional stamina. These are important factors for someone holding the office of the president.”
A health summary released by White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor in February 2024 noted that Biden had been evaluated by a neurologist but included no cognitive assessment. Biden, 81 at the time, later dismissed concerns about his mental state with a sarcastic remark to reporters during a Memorial Day event.
“I can’t walk, I’m mentally incompetent—yet somehow I can still take on both of them,” Biden joked, referencing recent claims made about his health.
A recent book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson paints a more nuanced picture of the president, describing him as deeply committed but also showing signs of fatigue and forgetfulness—something many in his circle reportedly noticed following the 2024 election.
As the public continues to follow updates on Biden’s health, the broader conversation around transparency, age, and presidential fitness is likely to continue in the months ahead.