Joe Biden Undergoes Surgery for Skin Cancer Lesion Removal

US President Joe Biden has undergone surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead, as confirmed by his spokesperson on Thursday. The procedure, known as Mohs surgery, was performed to excise skin until no trace of cancer remained. This announcement follows footage aired by Inside Edition showing Biden leaving a church in Delaware with a noticeable scar.

Health Concerns and Previous Diagnoses

Kelly Scully, Biden’s representative, provided insights into the surgery, highlighting it as part of ongoing health management for the President. Two years prior, Biden had a lesion removed from his chest that was diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma, a frequently occurring form of skin cancer. In March 2023, Biden’s office disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. This diagnosis followed the discovery of urinary symptoms and a prostate nodule.

Biden’s office stated that he is dealing with stage 9 cancer. “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” the statement read. The President himself expressed solidarity with those impacted by cancer, stating, “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places.”

A Family History of Cancer

The Biden family has a long history with cancer. Biden’s late son, Beau Biden, succumbed to a brain tumor, and his wife, Jill Biden, has had two cancerous lesions removed. In February 2023, Biden had another skin lesion excised from his chest, which was also classified as basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, in November 2021, he underwent a procedure to remove a polyp from his colon, which was identified as benign but potentially pre-cancerous.

In 2022, Biden prioritized a “cancer moonshot” initiative, aiming to reduce the cancer death rate by 50% over the next 25 years. This initiative builds on his previous efforts during his tenure as Vice President, motivated by the loss of his son Beau to cancer.

The health of the 82-year-old President remains a significant concern among voters. Following a challenging debate performance in his reelection campaign, Biden ultimately withdrew from the race. Subsequently, then-Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee but lost to Republican Donald Trump, who returned to the presidency after a four-year absence.

As Biden continues to address his health challenges, his administration remains committed to advancing significant health initiatives, particularly in cancer research and treatment, highlighting his personal connection to the disease.