• Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones.
• His last PSA test was conducted in 2014, leading to questions about the lack of earlier detection.
• Former President Donald Trump speculated about a potential cover-up regarding Biden's health.
• Biden's cancer diagnosis has reignited discussions about the suitability of age-based screening guidelines.
• Medical experts note that advanced prostate cancer can sometimes go undetected despite regular check-ups.

Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a statement from his office released on Sunday. The diagnosis followed a recent examination after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms, with doctors reporting a Gleason score of 9, indicating a highly aggressive cancer. As a result, Biden, 82, and his family are currently reviewing treatment options, which may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation, according to Indiatimes and New York Times.

The timing and nature of Biden's diagnosis have raised concerns and speculation about whether his health issues were known but concealed during his presidency. Donald Trump expressed his surprise that the public was not informed earlier, suggesting that there may have been a cover-up regarding Biden's health. Trump's comments have echoed unfounded claims made by supporters alleging that Biden's health was not accurately disclosed while he was campaigning for re-election, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

Critics have noted that Biden last underwent a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in 2014, which aligns with current medical guidelines suggesting that routine screenings for men over 70 may not be necessary due to lower risks and potential harm from further interventions. Medical professionals have stated that some cases of aggressive prostate cancer can remain undetected until later stages, emphasizing that even those with access to high-quality medical care may face challenges in early detection, as highlighted by ABC News and HuffPost.

During his presidency, Biden's health had previously come under scrutiny, particularly amid ongoing discussions about his mental sharpness and ability to govern effectively. A recent book titled "Original Sin" has suggested that Biden's aides were aware of his declining mental acuity and raised concerns about his fitness to run for a second term. The controversy surrounding Biden's diagnosis has intensified scrutiny over the transparency of his medical condition while he was in office, as reported by New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

In light of this situation, doctors have stressed the importance of reevaluating guidelines regarding prostate screenings, especially for older patients, as some tumors may not show up during tests. "Even with the best medical care, prostate cancer can progress rapidly without clear symptoms," stated health experts. This sentiment is echoed in reports highlighting how men in their 70s may be advised against regular testing due to the associated risks, framing Biden's case as part of a larger discussion on health policies affecting aging populations, according to New York Times and Business Insider.