Former First Lady Opens Up About Early Warning Signs
Dr. Jill Biden has shared new details about the symptoms that led to former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, revealing that his frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom raised concerns long before the disease was identified.
A Symptom That Wouldn’t Go Away
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Jill Biden said her husband was waking up as many as seven times a night, prompting her to repeatedly raise the issue with White House physicians. She believed the concern had been addressed, but after the couple left the White House in early 2025, the symptom continued.
Seeking More Answers
Jill said she eventually urged her husband to undergo additional medical evaluation in Philadelphia because she felt something was wrong. While she expected doctors to find an underlying health issue, she admitted she never imagined the diagnosis would be aggressive prostate cancer.
Living with an Ongoing Illness
Joe Biden was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in May 2025, with doctors confirming the disease had spread to his bones. Jill explained that while the cancer cannot be cured, it is being managed through regular monitoring, testing, and treatment every few months.
She Reflects on the Missed Diagnosis
Jill Biden acknowledged that she was surprised the cancer was not detected earlier, especially given the extensive medical care available to a sitting president. Medical experts have noted that current American Urological Association guidelines generally do not recommend routine PSA screening for many men over age 70, depending on their health and life expectancy, because screening decisions should be individualized.
Sharing Their Experience
Jill said the family’s focus is now on managing the disease and making the most of each day. She also spoke about the emotional challenges of living with cancer, drawing on her family’s previous experiences supporting loved ones through serious illness.
A Message About Paying Attention to Symptoms
The Bidens’ experience serves as a reminder that persistent or changing urinary symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional. While such symptoms often have non-cancerous causes, they can sometimes signal an underlying medical condition that deserves further evaluation.
